What is the role?

This role will be responsible for identification and tracking of players from U7 to U19 across the UK for consideration for acquisition to the Academy pathway. This includes local, regional and national coverage therefore requiring you to travel extensively across the UK in search for suitable elite players. Some support across other parts of the UK, Ireland and Europe may also be required from time to time.

You will support with video scouting and any tournament scouting in the UK in relation to the U7 to U19 age groups along with playing an active role in the use of modern scouting methods with regards to reporting, recording and tracking potential player targets whilst using an internet based scouting system. You will need to plan accordingly on the scouting, monitoring and targeting of players, which should be done in relation to depth chart requirements and Southampton academy player characteristics.

Liaising with the senior first team recruitment staff with regards to the identification of talented

youth players overlapping with first team scouting activity will be important, whilst ensuring that all contact networks are maintained and extended in conjunction with other key staff in the Recruitment team.

Leading and being in attendance when required on the trialist process for players, parents and agents attending trials at the Club will be crucial, whilst ensuring an outstanding professional experience. You will need to work closely and in alignment with coaches and other members of the multi disciplinary team to ensure the smooth process of trialists and those players acquired and in transition to the Club.

Some other duties include:

• Reporting into the Academy Director you will liaise closely with them and other senior members of the Academy on the progress of target players.


• Line manage the youth recruitment team including both permanent staff and consultants to oversee the scouting arrangements across the pre academy and foundation phase.


• Ensure your qualifications meet the compliance of the youth development rules for scouts.


• Attend Southampton FC youth matches where appropriate to monitor trialists and to observe current players within our system to acknowledge the quality of players already registered.


• Monitor expenses for the regional lead scouts and their team of staff, ensuring accuracy, validity and value for money.


• Ensure a high level of scouting coverage at local, regional and national level, across all Academies, grass roots and non league fixtures.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a candidate with the following competencies:

Essential Experience:

• Has experience in an elite level football environment.


• Has experience of live and video scouting/report writing.

Essential Qualifications (including certifications):

• FA Talent ID Level 4 (or working towards)

Desirable Qualifications (including certifications):

• FA Coaching Qualification Level 3

Essential Skills:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in the foundation phase of the football industry along with rules and regulations governing players and recruitment.


• Good interpersonal skills – must be a consistent team performer and also have the ability of working independently.


• Highly skilled at building, developing, and influencing relationships.


• Ability to prioritise workload.


• Excellent IT Skills and familiarity with scouting databases.


• Excellent organisational qualities.


• Ability to work to tight deadlines. The nature of the business means that there are significant variations in the level of activity; this requires the Job Holder to work whatever hours are needed to allow deadlines to be met.


• Trustworthy and adherence to codes of conduct, ethics and confidentiality.


• Identifiable track record in Scouting and recruitment.

What do you get in return?

• If you are successful you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;


• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game


• 27 days’ holiday per year


• Life Assurance Cover of x3 salary.


• 5% pension contribution


• Private health care for self.


• Worldwide Travel Insurance.


• Free onsite parking.


• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.