Job purpose: To support the Head of Academy Recruitment with the smooth running of the Academy Recruitment Department and manage all operational aspects of the department from a grassroots perspective and the Pre Academy.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all players, promoting their well-being needs whilst maintaining professional boundaries;

• To manage the trialing process for both Academy and under 21 trialists ensuring all correct paperwork is completed and submitted to the relevant people and organisations;

• To oversee the monitoring of the PMA system and Academy Recruitment System, ensuring all trialists and reports are recorded on the database;

• Co-ordinate the Academy senior scouts and casual scouts on a weekly basis to ensure fixture coverage is prioritised;

• To communicate the needs of the Academy to the senior and casual scouts in terms of target age groups and priority positions, providing feedback on current trialists;

• Assist with the tracking of our own Academy players through inputting and uploading succession plan reports from coaches;

• Assist in reviewing and updating the recruitment philosophy, policies, protocols and procedures in line with the Academy and EPPP requirements;

• Assist the Head of Academy Recruitment in the coordination of Academy scouts to ensure there is a clear strategy for the recruitment of players;

• Assist in monitoring the performance of the Academy scouting network through the implementation of the Academy recruitment policies and procedures;

• Continually review and implement the recruitment protocols, and ensure all staff are fully aware of these;

• Assist with the review, update and implementation of the scouting reports in line with the Academy player profiles ensuring these reports are completed by all recruitment staff;

• Continually monitor scouting reports and assist the Head of Academy Recruitment with reviewing identified players;

• Attend Academy meetings as and when required;

• To undertake scouting duties and play a lead role in the talent identification and recruitment of players;

• Continually track and monitor data in relation to the signing and release of recruited players;

• Communicate with parents/guardians in a professional and effective manner;

• Develop strong relationships with local clubs, schools and community groups to identify players;

• To manage tournaments and events to assist with the recruitment of players from grassroots;

• Develop strong links with other professional clubs as part of the recruitment strategy to identify and recruit players;

• Respond and follow up with recommendations or trial requests from external individuals;

• Attend Pre-Academy meetings as required;

• Meet and greet players/parents and organise relevant groups for PreAcademy;

• To lead on the co-ordination of the Pre-Academy and Development Centre;

• Organise and deliver an induction evening for the U8’s age group; and

• To liaise with the Head of Academy Recruitment regarding the Pre-Academy Centre’s performance.

Skills required:

• A proven track record of being successful in the identification and recruitment of players across all age groups within an Academy system;

• Excellent communication skills;

• Able to demonstrate enthusiasm and committed to achieving agreed objectives;

• Is aware of own behavior, strengths and areas for improvement and is receptive to feedback;

• Displays an high level of confidentiality;and

• Excellent IT skills and a clear understanding of the different recruitment software packages including the Premier League PMA system.

Knowledge required:

• Good knowledge and network of other contacts within recruitment in particular, the North West and Lancashire area;

• Experience of EPPP/ Category 1 Academy;

• Knowledge and understanding of the geographical catchment area of potential players at Blackburn Rovers and a clear understanding of the local clubs/leagues within the area;

• Excellent knowledge and experience of the football environment in relation to the recruitment of players and regulations that govern player recruitment; and

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and protocols.

Qualifications required:

• FA Talent Identification Award (Desirable or working towards);

• FA Safeguarding Certificate (Essential); and

• FA Emergency Aid Certificate (Desirable)

DBS check required: Yes (Enhanced)