National Scout (Greater London and surrounding areas)

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Academy Recruitment Department for a National Scout to work across Greater London and the surrounding areas. The National Scout will be responsible for the identification of talent for Sheffield United Football Academy and will liaise on behalf of SUFC, following strategic observation of talent outside of the academy recruitment footprint.

The National Scout will be designated a cohort of football clubs across different levels of organised football that sit within their locality. The overarching aim would be to procure players between the ages of U16 and U19 years.

Role Responsibilities:

• Personally scout and play a full role in identifying and recruiting players who meet the criteria and have the potential to represent Sheffield United Football Academy.
• Produce a database of players from within the designated area that documents targets observed across Category 1 Academies, Non-League, Schools, district and grassroots football.
• Be aware of and comply with the standard operating procedures implemented by the recruitment department at Sheffield United Academy.
• Become competent on the internal scouting software platform to ensure a live record of games observed, and players recommended are tracked, monitored and reported on thereafter.
• Ensure all player reports cover all dimensions of performance and potential (technical, physical, psychological and social).
• Keep the Head of Recruitment informed of all planned fixtures so that permissions can be gained, and protocols adhered to.
• Contribute to a quarterly report compiled by the Head of Recruitment providing evidence on progress, success and issues.
• Actively participate in regular scout meetings and clearly articulate rationale and informed conclusions on players.
• Create a network of club, scouting and intermediary contacts to support the scouting process and allow for gathering intelligence quickly.
• Develop an understanding of the players already at the club, as well as an excellent knowledge of the team's playing styles at Academy and First Team level.

Club Wide Responsibilities:

• To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
• To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
• To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
• To adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.

Essential Criteria for the Role:

• The FA Talent ID Level 2 qualification
• The FA Safeguarding Certificate
• The postholder will be required to complete a basic criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service upon offer acceptance (DBS)
• Experience of working in a recruitment capacity in a professional football club
• Sound knowledge of youth development rules and regulations with regards to scouting young players
• Reliable with excellent personal and communication skills
• A willingness to work unsociable hours, evenings, and weekends
• Full driving license

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

• Evidence of technical and tactical understanding of Football from coaching qualifications, previous employment or playing experience
• The FA Talent ID Level 3 qualification

Application Process
Please download and save the application form before inputting information. If you require a paper copy please contact the HR department careers@sufc.co.uk or call 0114 253 7200.

Completed application forms must be submitted via email to careers@sufc.co.uk stating the vacancy title in the subject or posted to HR, Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU.

Closing Date: Thursday 10th July 2025
Please note that in the instance of high volumes of applications we may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date noted above.

Eligibility for Employment in the UK
In accordance with current legislative requirements the successful applicant must produce documentary verification of their eligibility to work in the UK and will not be allowed to start work until this has been received.

Equality and Diversity
Sheffield United FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.

Sheffield United FC are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like further information regarding the scheme and how we are able to support disabled persons within the workplace, then please contact our HR team at careers@sufc.co.uk

Safer Recruitment
Sheffield United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK. For further information on the Club's Safeguarding Statement please access the following link:
sufc.co.uk/club/policies/safeguarding-policy