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

Level 1 Football Scouting Course - 10 Days Access

NLP Sports

Online based with study materials with tutor support
- Compare
- 15 students
- Online
- 10 days · Self-paced
- 6 CPD points
- Tutor support
- Job guarantee programme
See more See less

...expert panel of professional and academy coaches and scouts from a reputable football academy. During the course they will learn recruitment plans, academy scouting techniques, and be educated on different areas of work in the football and sports industry, they can also be provided with …
£20.95
Level 1 Football Scouting Course - 5 Days Access

NLP Sports

Online based with study materials with tutor support
- Compare
- Online
- 5 days · Self-paced
- 6 CPD points
- Tutor support
- Job guarantee programme
See more See less

...expert panel of professional and academy coaches and scouts from a reputable football academy. During the course they will learn recruitment plans, academy scouting techniques, and be educated on different areas of work in the football and sports industry, they can also be provided with …
£20.95