How to become a Football Scout

Career progression and salary expectations for a Football Scout

The average starting salary for a Football Scout can vary.

The role of a Football Scout

What does a Football Scout do?

Think you can tell the difference between the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the next Ibrahima Bakayoko? You should be a Football Scout…Football Scouts work within a football club to source the top talent available, and use their expertise to help inspire their club to greatness.There are two types of Scout: those that specialise in talent spotting, and those that concentrate on tactical scouting of upcoming opposition. So whether it’s finding the next big thing, or gaining an edge over the competition, it’s all in a day’s work for a Scout.Typical responsibilities for a Football Scout may include:

Travelling to a number of games every week
Watching players to determine their talent and fit for the club
Making recommendations on potential signings
Compiling detailed tactical reports on the opposition
Providing video footage of individual players for analysis

Is a career as a Football Scout right for me?

If you’re thinking of becoming a Football Scout, an in-depth understanding of the beautiful game is absolutely essential. If you’re still struggling to comprehend the offside rule without use of props, this may not be the right role for you.You’ll also often be attending as many as five games a week, ranging from the top flight to reserve, lower league and youth games. Travelling hundreds of miles is part and parcel of the trade, as are long hours. They don’t tell you that on Football Manager…Other key skills for a Scout include:

Excellent observation skills
Good written communication skills
Tactical awareness
Analysis
Flexibility
Patience

What's it like to be a Football Scout?

"I’ve been a Scout for about ten years, mostly in the lower leagues. A typical working day for me basically involves travelling to a game, either to look at a potential signing, or to provide analysis for an upcoming match. After the game, I then have to write up a detailed report (which regularly run to 10 pages plus) and get it back to the manager. And the next day it starts all over again. It can be a lonely profession, and you’re not always paid that well, but standing out there on the terraces and getting that buzz from the game is what I live for. Oh, and finding the next Messi. That would be nice too…"

Get qualified as a Football Scout

There are no formal pre-requisites needed to become a Scout. However, industry-specific qualifications and membership to a professional scouting body will be necessary in order to work for the top teams.

Recommended Football Scout courses

Football Scouting Level 5 Advanced Diploma

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...skills in Football Scouting . Career Changers interested in transitioning into Football Scouting with practical skills. Students and Graduates aiming to improve their employability in the Football Scouting sector. Entrepreneurs seeking to apply Football Scouting in their …
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Football Scouting Level 5 Advanced Diploma

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...the field of Football Scouting Level 5 Advanced Diploma. *****Football Scouting Level 5 Advanced Diploma Course Syllabus***** Lecture 1: Introduction to Football Scouting Lesson 1.1: The Role of a Football Scout Lesson 1.2: History and Evolution of Scouting in Football Lesson 1.3: …
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