Academy Scout

Stoke City Football Club is seeking a dedicated and observant individual to join our Academy scouting network, playing a vital role in identifying and nurturing future talent.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a talented Academy Scout who will assess high potential players for our U15-U19s Academy within the London region.

As an Academy Scout, your keen eye will directly contribute to the Club's player recruitment strategy, helping to shape the future of Stoke City Football Club.

Main Responsibilities

• Identifying and reporting on the most talented young players in their designated geographical area.
• Developing a network within youth football and across clubs in your region.
• Keeping accurate and detailed records of observed matches and players.
• Ensuring completion of required forms and collated information on potential player recruits.
• Acting as point of contact between the youth Academy, players’ parents/guardians and their respective clubs.
• Giving feedback to parents/guardians at the end of a period of training and assessment.
• Attending scouting meetings with the Head of Academy Recruitment and preparing in advance of those meetings updates of all scouting activity and targeted players.
• Having a detailed understanding of our Academy player philosophy and requirements by periodically attending Stoke City Academy training and matches.
• Projecting a professional image and maintaining an ambassadorial role for the Club and youth Academy at all times whilst adhering to the Club’s policies and protocols specifically in relation to the recruitment of young players.
• Attending Child Protection training as required by the Club and adhering to all guidelines contained within the Club’s Safeguarding policies.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Experience and thorough understanding of Elite Academy Football in both Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase (U15-U19).
• Ability to work in a target driven environment as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good IT Skills.
• Proactive in their approach.
• Trustworthy, adhering to codes of conduct, ethics and confidentiality.
• FA Talent Identification Level 1. FA Talent Identification Level 2 is desirable.

The role requires a high degree of flexibility to cover evening and weekend work as required. This position will be offered on a casual and intermittent basis.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risks and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.