PhD Studentship - Assessment of Gait Characteristics using Video-based Skeletal Tracking Data

Project advert

Video-based technologies can capture players’ match kinematic data. Recently, FIFA have implemented a video-based skeletal tracking system into their referee decision support processes and while this is a very specific application there are many uses for this type of technology and data. The ability to capture detailed movements of players over the entire pitch takes the landscape of biomechanical analysis into a new era. 

Considering the size of the pitch along with the stochastic nature of football there are questions relating to the accuracy of this kinematic data, which forms the basis of this research programme. The project will be the first of its kind to explore the validity of FIFA-approved skeletal tracking systems for the potential application in on-field gait analysis with the possibility to redefine the future of biomechanical analysis in sport.

This project forms part of an exciting new research and innovation partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and FIFA’s Innovation Department and aims to develop on-going work on the decision support system.

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to develop new, scientifically valid applications of skeletal data extracted from video-based skeletal tracking for use in football.

Project Objectives

• Derive and compare gait parameters from FIFA approved skeletal tracking partner(s) data against gold standard systems through a range of speeds from walking to maximal sprinting.
• Derive and compare algorithms to auto-detect key frames of foot contact and toe-off, required to quantify contact, flight and swing times.
• Compare lower extremity joint kinematics in swing and stance against 3D motion capture system(s).
• Utilise match data to analyse and create a gait analysis report of players and officials, thereby creating the first user case scenario for this technology.

Funding

Only Home students can apply. Tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the three-year award, which is £5,006 for the year 2025/26. 

The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.

Specific requirements of the candidate

The PhD researcher will be embedded within Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, joining a growing doctoral community, as well as within FIFA’s Innovation Department.

Essential

• First class or upper second-class (2:1) degree (or equivalent) in a sport-related discipline.
• Active interest in technology for sports performance analysis, ideally in football.
• Competent in using biomechanical technologies to analyse movement.
• Experience and competence in software to code and analysis data.
• The ability to undertake quantitative research.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Phil Graham Smith (p.graham-smith@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion. 

To apply, you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science

You also need to include a standard CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages detailing how your experience and skills align to this project.

You will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Applications closing date: 5^th January 2026

Expected start date: April 2026

Please quote the reference: SciEng-PGS-April 2025-26 -Soccer Skeletal Tracking

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