Dr Kate Baker has been appointed as our new head of player insights.
Dr Baker joins from the English Institute of Sport, where she most recently held the title of head of performance pathways for UK Sport.
Starting in April 2018, the doctor of sports science will lead the newly-created Player Insights department, which will extend the work of the former talent identification function in the technical directorate at St. George’s Park.
The role will lead the development of the player insight service for men’s teams with a core focus on developing detailed player profiles and processes to identify and develop talent throughout the England system.
Dr Baker previously held positions with Saracens RFC, Scarlets RFC and London Metropolitan University before joining the English Institute of Sport, initially as lead performance pathways scientist.
Dave Reddin, The FA’s head of team strategy and performance, said: “I’m really delighted to welcome Kate as our head of player insights in a new and exciting phase of development for the department.
“Kate brings enormous breadth and depth of capability from a wide range of elite sports and was the outstanding candidate we interviewed following a global search process.
“I’m really confident Kate will make a significant impact and colleagues in all departments will enjoy working with her as we continue to build the environment for sustained success for all England teams.”
Dr Baker said: “It’s a huge privilege to accept a role with The FA at such an exciting period in the men’s game. Through the player insights department, there is a real opportunity to build upon recent successes to create something to benefit English football for years to come.
“To be part of The FA and to play a part in the way that talent is identified and managed is incredibly exciting, and to have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in football is one that I’m thrilled about.”
UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport have developed world class talent identification, performance pathways and talent transfer programmes that have helped deliver record-breaking and inspirational Olympic and Paralympic success through stars such as Lizzy Yarnold, Vicky Thornley and Kadeena Cox.
Dr Baker was also involved in developing and delivering the successful #DiscoverYourGold talent campaign.
