Job title: Academy Talent Scout

Department: Academy Recruitment

Based at: North West region, UK. Flexibility regarding location is required.

Reports to: Head of Academy Recruitment

Hours of work: Casual – as and when required

Contractual status: Fixed Term

Job purpose: To undertake general scouting duties on behalf of the Academy Recruitment Department

Duties and responsibilities:

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

To cover any u17-21 video games when allocated by senior staff;

To assist in populating the Academy’s Regional Pre-Academy Development Centre’s with potential players as well as the Advanced Training Centre;

To complete match and/or player reports and any other necessary information in relation to games covered via the Academy’s PMA system;

To comply with the Scout’s code of conduct, ensuring compliance with the FA and EPPP rules and regulations;

To formally introduce targeted players to Blackburn Rovers Football Club in line with the Academy Code of Conduct for Scouts;

Ensure all relevant reporting documentation is completed correctly and on time before reaching the Head of Academy Recruitment and/or Recruitment Operations Manager;

Develop and maintain key relationships within grassroots clubs, private coaching organisations, schools, districts, county and international associations;

Help to develop and maintain the local, regional and national scouting network;

To watch and report on Academy and grassroots games, school games, private coaching organisations, and international games as and when required;

Contribute to the identification of potential talent in accordance with the Academy football philosophy;

Recommend friendly fixtures for the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase age groups;

To populate trialist fixtures when required;

To attend Academy Recruitment and Talent Identification meetings, training and/or workshops as and when required;

To liaise with the Senior Scouts, Head of Academy Recruitment and Recruitment Operations Manager to discuss findings as necessary; and

To carry out any such other duties as the Head of Academy Recruitment & Recruitment Operations Manager may reasonably properly assign or delegate in connection with the business of the Club from time to time.

Skills required:

To hold a detailed comprehensive network of contacts both within the Academy system and at grassroots level;

I.T. Literate; and

Good communication skills.

Knowledge required:

To hold an in-depth knowledge of football activities within your designated area including academies and grassroots;

Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and protocols; and

To update knowledge of and be familiar with the standard of signed players at the Academy at regular intervals.

Qualifications required:

FA Talent Identification Certificate; and

FA Safeguarding Children Workshop.

DBS Check Required: Yes (enhanced)