Job purpose:

To position Blackburn Rovers FC Academy in a leading position to ensure the recruitment of the best players from within the designated area.

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 undertake Senior Scouting duties on behalf of the Academy Recruitment Department;


• To complete match and/or player reports and any other necessary information in relation to games covered advising the Head of Academy Recruitment / Recruitment Operations Manager;


• To formally introduce a targeted player to Blackburn Rovers Football Club in line with Blackburn Rovers Code of Conduct for scouts;


• To comply with the Recruitment and Talent Identification Department code of conduct in ensuring compliance with the FA and EPPP rules and regulations and to implement this with the Academy Talent Scouts and Talent Spotters in the designated areas;


• Manage the Academy Talent Scouts in your designated region as well as communicate regularly with the Talent Spotters;


• Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed correctly and submitted efficiently to the Head of Academy Recruitment / Recruitment Operations Manager;


• Develop and maintain key relationships with grassroots clubs, private coaching organisations, local schools, districts, county and international associations when required;


• Develop and maintain the local, regional and national scouting network;


• To attend academy and grassroots games, school games, private coaching organisations and international games when required;


• To ensure the Academy Talent Scouts reporting to you produce scouting reports in accordance with the Academy Recruitment Strategy and record accordingly;


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


• Verify general scout recommendations when possible;


• To populate trialist fixtures 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;


• Attend Academy Recruitment meetings when required;


• To attend other relevant courses/workshops as required from time to time;


• To update knowledge of and be familiar with the standard of signed players at the Academy at regular intervals when asked by the Head of Academy Recruitment and Recruitment Operations Manager;


• To liaise regularly with Head of Academy Recruitment and Recruitment Operations Manager and discuss findings as necessary;


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

Skills required:

• Leadership and management skills;


• A detailed comprehensive network of contacts both within the Academy system and grassroots;


• I.T. literate;


• Display a high level of professionalism at all times;


• Highly motivated, with a passion for working within an elite football setting; and


• Good communication skills.

Knowledge required:

• Knowledge of professional academies within the local area;


• Knowledge and awareness of safeguarding procedures and practices;


• In depth knowledge of football activities within the designated area; and


• Knowledge of grassroots leagues and club’s within the area.

Qualifications required:

• FA Talent Identification Certificate; and


• FA Safeguarding Children Workshop


• DBS check required: Yes (enhanced)