This study aimed to identify characteristics between goals scored throughout a Category One Academy during the 2018/2019 football season. Once these characteristics had been identified, the aim was to further discuss the influence certain characteristics shared between the academy as a whole as well as between individual age groups, further identifying strengths and weaknesses of a team’s goal scoring ability. 718 goals were analysed throughout the 2018/2019 season however not every single goal scored was recorded where the footage was not obtainable from opposition teams. The opposition teams were categorised into; Category 1; Category 2; Category 3 and Other (including international, grassroots and showcase fixtures). The goals were analysed using SportsCode Elite (V.11) where a specific label window was created detailing each characteristic involved. Each age group was analysed individually, and a report created for each with an individual break down of the selected characteristics as well as a heatmap showing the location of goals scored. Results indicated that in total, the highest method of goal scoring was by through balls (22%), with solo goals following closely contributing to 19% of the overall total. Similar to findings from previous research, there were more goals scored from open play scenarios (84%) compared to the 16% scored from set plays. One finding identified within this study
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highlighted the impact of scoring goals from crosses, in particular, no goals were scored from an inswinging cross. It is important however to recognise that there were still goals scored from crosses (Outswinging; Driven; Floated and Cut-Backs), however this could be used to support academy training and working alongside players technically, focusing on the execution of this type of delivery. Previous research and coaching literature supported the results found within this study. Further research was suggested to improve positional accuracy of goals scored and the suggested changes included specifying the zones for goals scored in relation to the pitch dimensions used for that age group. Previous research was investigated the impact of the time a goal is scored and the build-up (build the play or counter attack) and could be incorporated into a future study.