Academy Scout(s)

Job Title:                     Academy Scout(s)

Reports to:                  Head of Academy Recruitment

Location:                     Home-based, with expected travel across the assigned region

Hours:                         Part time, with no fixed hours

Renumeration:           Competitive (Subject to Experience)

Who we are:

Blackpool Football Club is an English Professional Association Football Club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire.

The Club was founded in 1887 and has a very storied history, from being a founding member of the Lancashire League in 1889, rising to the Top-Flight of the Football League (the old First Division) in 1930, to winning the FA Cup in 1953 and being promoted to the Premier League in 2010 (becoming the first Club to gain promotion from every division of the Football League via the play-off system.)

The team are competing in League One, the third tier of the English Football League.

The Club have played their home games at Bloomfield Road since 1901.

About the Role(s):

Blackpool Football Club Academy are seeking Part Time Academy Scouts to join our existing Recruitment and Talent Identification team. These roles are regionalised to ensure Blackpool FC has significant coverage across all areas, enabling us to recruit within our catchment area, under EPPP regulations.

Candidates should have a passion for Youth Development and be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of Youth Football across the Northwest of England.

Scouting positions being recruited for include:

•          Merseyside

•          Greater Manchester

•          Manchester Central

•          Central Lancashire

•          North Lancashire

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• To be available to attend fixtures / matches, on a weekly basis, mainly on a weekend.
• Be flexible to attend fixtures / matches, on short notice, at the request of Academy Head of Recruitment.
• To create a network, within your region, in conjunction with the Academy Head of Recruitment.
• Build strong relationships with Managers, Coaches, Parents and Players to promote BFC Academy and enhance recruitment opportunities.
• Identify the best talent available to Blackpool Football Club, within your region.
• Make recommendations on Players to invite for trial/sign.
• You will develop systemic knowledge of the clubs age specific Player profiles to understand the attributes desired per position across the whole Academy pathway.
• Keep abreast of the Academy Performance Plan so that you are in tune with the Club’s culture and values.
• Log reports on to our Kitman Labs system for each game attended and update database of Players, as required.
• You will be required to attend CPD events within the Club, as and when required.
• Liaise on a continuous basis with Academy Head of Recruitment and other Scouts/contacts within your designated area.
• As part of becoming a representative of the Club, you will always project a professional image for Blackpool Football Club.

General:

• Additional duties as reasonably requested by the Academy Head of Recruitment.

·       To adhere to the Club’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.

·       To promote a safe and healthy working environment for all players and staff.

·       To promote a professional image of the Club and themselves at all times.

·       To contribute to identifying and undertaking initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

·       To work with and support other team members as required ensuring effective and efficient service is developed and delivered.

·       You will be expected to seek ways of updating and improving personal skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to your own job role.

The above job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the club.

To apply for the position please submit a CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role to HR@Blackpoolfc.co.uk or Blackpool Football Club, Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ.

We encourage early applicants as we reserve the right to close the application process at any time. 

This job will be subject to satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS procedures.

Closing date for applications is Friday 20 September 2024.

Safeguarding:  Blackpool Football Club Ltd and the EFL are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.  Posts advertised may require Enhanced Criminal Record Checks and may include checks against the Barred lists, as such it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).  Therefore, all convictions, including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared. 

Recruitment checks: You will also be required to provide details of referees for the previous five years’ working history or referees whilst in full time education. 

Equality and Diversity:  Employees must always carry out their duties with due regard to Blackpool Football Club’s policies and procedures.  The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Mission Statement: At Blackpool Football Club we aim to provide an enjoyable experience for all supporters and hold inclusion and anti-discrimination at the core of our values. We are committed to creating an environment which welcomes and respects people from all communities, promoting equality and diversity at Bloomfield Road and its associated premises. As a Club we recognise the nine protected characteristics (age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation) under the Equality Act 2010 and will play an active role in supporting inclusion and putting an end to discrimination.  

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Blackpool Football Club is an equal opportunities employer.