How to Become a Football Scout 4.44/5 (43)

The Life of A Football Scout

The BBC and The Guardian have previously written articles on the working life of a football scout. Both share insight on the daily responsibilities which can include attending up to five games per week across different levels. Having a broad scope is essential for determining whether a player’s talent is a suitable fit for a scout’s club.

Scouting for an academy is a voluntary role, with financial rewards earned further down the line. Payments take action following a variety of events from a player signing their first professional contract to more prestigious achievements.

In addition, despite an increase in expenditure and the importance of talent development in contemporary football, scouts haven’t experienced the same astronomical payment growth that other departments have. While the exact average salary for a football scout in the UK remains unknown, the figure is understood to be unproportionate. Likewise, the disparity in pay between the Chief Scout of a top Premier League club and a mid-table side speaks volumes of the situation.

Expert Opinions

Above all, for a greater overview of life as a football scout, we turned to a couple of experts who shared their opinions on the role:

“Being a football scout is not a good career choice simply because there are very few who get paid for it, let alone receive a decent wage. It is a great job though, as you get to watch a lot of football and can be proud of the fact you have potentially uncovered a future for someone else.” – Jonathan Rabin, Director of The 3T Group

“If you’re looking to pursue a career in football, then football scouting is definitely a step in the right direction. Talent identification is becoming increasingly more important in English football, taken by all levels within the game including management, coaches, intermediaries and of course, academy staff. All the PFSA courses are created, developed and delivered by experienced Premier League scouts. All of whom have had a successful careers as football scouts themselves.”  – Adam Hobson, Commercial Director of The Professional Football Scouts Association

Are There Any Football Scouting Courses?

Between The FA Level 1-5 Football Coaching, Goalkeeping or Physical Performance qualifications, there hadn’t previously been any football scouting courses.

However, that all changed on December 2nd 2016 as The FA launched its Talent Identification Level 1: An Introduction to Scouting course.

Based online, the course is suitable for anyone interested in learning more about talent identification in football. Consisting of two levels, The FA requires a minimum age of 17 from all participants due to safety regulations. Additionally, before undertaking a Level 2 Certificate, you must first have completed your Safeguarding Children workshop.

FA Talent Identification Course

“We are thrilled to introduce this fantastic new course. The FA is committed to formalising this area as a specialism, equipping more participants with the skills to realise potential. This course is a stepping stone on that journey.” – Nick Baker, Learning Design & Development Manager, The FA Education

The FA Level 1 in Talent Identification: An introduction to Scouting (Online)

This course will enable learners to understand the roles and responsibilities of a modern scout. Featuring 6 short modules, the Level 1 Talent Identification course introduces you to the world of football scouting. Topics range from the understanding of a scout’s responsibilities to establishing a well-rounded view of a player’s potential. The basics are the primary focus here, hence the inclusion of insight into Level 2 also being delivered.

Cost: Free

The FA Level 2 in Talent Identification

Building relationships, considering performances vs. potential and understanding the essential rules linked to the process of scouting are the focus for Level 2. Consequently, a variety of topics will help you develop skills within the scouting world, while also honing your ability to observe and assess youth players.

Content includes:

• The soft skills to help you better yourself in the role
• Current research on talent
• Performance vs. potential
• Understanding the essential rules and regulations for the job

Cost: Varies depending on venue

Professional Football Scouts Association (PFSA)

Back in 2013, two Premier League scouts together formed The Professional Football Scouts Association. It is the aim of the PFSA to liaise with all governing bodies worldwide and both professional & non-professional leagues on behalf of all member scouts. The PFSA promotes best practice and aims to raise standards, therefore making it a much-needed voice for people in this particular profession. To benefit from the work being done, a 5-minute sign-up is necessary, along with the following requirements:

• Currently employed as a football scout with a club/organisation
• DBS clearance (formerly known as a CRB check)
• Talent Identification Certificate
• Child Protection Certificate

You can gain this certificate through courses delivered by qualified, experienced coaches including football scouts from the English Premier and Football League.

PFSA Scouting Courses

The PFSA believes that football scouts deserve a governing body, similar to coaches and players. Most notably, their course aims to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge of talent indicators and industry format. Almost anyone with a knowledge of the game has the opportunity to file a respectable report to a club at any level for consideration after completion of the course.

Introduction into Football Scouting (Online Course)

The Introduction into Football Scouting course is aimed towards those thinking about a career in football scouting. Likewise, it delves into key areas that are considered vitally important for a football scout in the professional landscape.

Topics include:

• About The PFSA (Aims and Objectives)
• What is a Football Scout?
• Skills Required for Football Scouting
• Player and Tactical Scouts
• How Do Scouts Find Talent
• Match And Player Reporting
• Importance Of Scouting
• Talent Identification in Football
• Academy Players
• Football Club Development Centres
• Age Specific Coaching
• Scouts Protocol
• How Do I Become a Professional Football Scout?

Cost: £59.99

Level 1 – Talent Identification in Football (Online Course)

Level 1 is another online course that is developed in line with the EPPP for a deeper understanding of the talent identification process.

Modules include:

• About The PFSA
• Introducing Talent Identification
• The EPP
• Talent Identification Predictors
• Football Scouts and Player Reports
• Talent Identification Characteristics in a Goalkeeper and the Relative Age Effect
• Anthropological Predictors
• Technical Skill Predictors
• Psychological and Sociological Predictors
• Limitations and Importance of Talent Identification

​Cost: £79.99

Level 2 – Talent Identification in Football

Level 2 is perfect for those scouts who wish to further their knowledge with an accredited certification in Talent Identification. It is also suitable for those looking to sustain a career in football scouting.

The course schedule is as follows:

Day 1

• Talent Identification / Safeguarding Children
• Talent Indicators and Early Predictors of Talent
• Performer Profiling
• Successful Talent ID Programmes and Systems for Football
• Creating / Implementing Talent ID Programmes
• Understand How Sporting Talent Is Developed and Maintained
• The Future of Talent in Football
• Overview Different Types of Abuse, Behaviour, Policies, Identifying the UK Legal Framework and a Case Study

Day 2

• Player, Team & Match Analysis in Football
• Role of a Scout, Scouting Protocols
• Match Preparation
• Video Analysis
• Individual Player Reporting
• Match Reporting
• Team Formations
• Player Assessments and Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses of a Player

Course Length: 2 Days (Saturday & Sundays only)

Cost: £600

Level 3 – Player, Team and Match Analysis

The Level 3 course will provide you with the knowledge to:

• Complete a detailed match report
• Discuss different types of match report analysis
• Review different formations the opposition may use
• Explain and produce a completed full team player report
• Complete a detailed review of a team’s strengths and weaknesses to beat and nullify the opposition.
• Demonstrate how to complete set play reviews, both attacking and defending
• Review of computer software for recording set plays and writing report

Course Length: 1 Day (Sundays only)

Cost: £300

What’s Next?

Finally, you cannot underestimate the skills, time and effort needed to be successful.

Importantly, towards the end of 2016, The FA finally dedicated resources in creating a course that leads to gaining this licence. Holding a basic knowledge and a burning passion could mean gaining your Talent Identification Certificate is vital.

Even though the cost will be higher (approximately £1040 for the complete course), the PFSA are a great alternative. And once you’ve completed the courses, the organisation will try their hardest to find you a suitable club in your area. The PFSA’s emergence can only be a positive thing for football scouts due to the the claim that “as a member of the PFSA, you will be part of the only organisation representing football scouts worldwide.”

Above all, experience is crucial. Gaining your qualifications and any important skills along the way are only minor steps. Therefore, try putting your skills into practice by volunteering at your local grassroots club. Visit multiple games at various levels, write reports and continue to showcase your talents. Then maybe one day you’ll be gifting the world the next footballing prodigy!