You have been watching soccer for years. You know your playmakers from your poachers, your false nines from your classic target men, and you have an uncanny knack for spotting talent before it hits the big time.
You’ve probably tweets about it or told your friends , “I knew Haaland was going to be special when he was still banging them in for Molde.” Sound familiar? If so, maybe it’s time you turned that eye for talent into a career as a soccer scout.
However, whatever your vision is, being a soccer scout is about so much more than just watching games. It’s about developing a sharp eye, building relationships, and understanding the intricate world of soccer like never before.
Let’s break this journey down together, step by step. By the time you done reading this, you’ll have a clear idea of how to kick off your scouting career and make your mark in the beautiful game.
What Does a Soccer Scout Do?
Scouting is not just sitting back, sipping coffee, and watching soccer matches for fun. It’s about evaluating players with a laser-sharp focus.
A soccer scout’s main job is to identify and assess talent. That could mean scouring local youth leagues for hidden gems, attending high-profile games to evaluate established players, or even analyzing video footage to assess someone’s potential.
Here are some key tasks you’d typically handle as a scout:
- Evaluating Players’ Skills: You’ll be looking at technical abilities, tactical awareness, physical attributes, and mental toughness.
- Writing Detailed Reports: After a game, you’ll need to summarize your observations in a clear, detailed, and professional manner.
- Building a Network: From coaches to agents, scouts rely on connections to find opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.
- Understanding Team Needs: It’s not just about finding a talented player—it’s about finding the right player for a specific team’s style, philosophy, and goals.
Does that sound like something you’d enjoy? If yes, let’s get into the “how” of becoming a soccer scout.
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Step 1: Start With Your Passion for Soccer
Scouting requires you to live and breathe soccer. Do you already watch a ton of games? Can you pick out a player’s strengths and weaknesses after a few minutes? That’s a great start.
Passion alone won’t cut it. To stand out, you need to study the game. I’m talking about going deep into tactics, formations, and coaching methods.
Learn why certain players thrive in specific systems. For example, why is Erling Haaland so effective in Manchester City’s setup? What makes William Saliba such a good defender despite his young age?
How to Build This Knowledge:
- Watch Games With a Critical Eye: Start breaking down games as if you were already a scout. Focus on one player for 10–15 minutes and analyze everything they do.
- Read Books and Articles: There are tons of resources out there that look into soccer tactics (Tiki-Taka), player development, and scouting. “The Mixer” by Michael Cox or “Inverting the Pyramid” by Jonathan Wilson are excellent places to start.
- Take Notes: Keep a journal of your observations. Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns and improving your ability to assess talent.
Step 2: Get Educated
While there’s no formal degree in “soccer scouting,” plenty of courses can help you build the technical skills you’ll need. These courses are designed to teach you how to evaluate players systematically, write detailed reports, and understand what clubs look for in recruits.
Some Options to Consider:
- The PFSA (Professional Football Scouts Association): They offer industry-recognized courses, including Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications in football scouting. These courses are perfect for beginners and provide a solid foundation.
- FIFA Talent Development Scheme: While more advanced, this program offers insight into how FIFA approaches player identification.
- Coaching Badges: Even if you are not planning to become a coach, obtaining basic coaching certifications can give you a better understanding of player development.
Investing in your education shows clubs and organizations that you’re serious about your career. Plus, it gives you a competitive edge in a field that’s getting more competitive by the day.
Step 3: Build a Scouting Portfolio
Imagine you’re applying for a scouting position, and they ask, “Can you show us a template of your work?” What do you hand them? Your respond might get you thrown out or get you a “have your seat”
This is where your scouting portfolio comes into play. It’s a collection of player reports, match analyses, and personal observations that showcase your skills and perspective.
How to Start:
- Attend Local Games: Start with local leagues, high school games, or amateur tournaments. You don’t need to be at a Premier League match to spot talent.
- Choose a Player to Scout: Pick someone and analyze their performance over several matches. Look at their strengths, weaknesses, and potential.
- Write Reports: Your reports should be detailed but concise. Include stats, qualitative observations, and a summary of the player’s potential.
Here’s a quick structure for a scouting report:
- Player’s Name, Age, Position
- Match Details (teams, date, competition)
- Technical Skills (dribbling, passing, shooting)
- Tactical Awareness (positioning, decision-making)
- Physical Attributes (speed, strength, stamina)
- Mental Attributes (composure, leadership, attitude)
- Overall Assessment
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Step 4: Network Like Your Career Depends on It (Because It Does)
Scouting is as much about who you know as it is about what you know. To get opportunities, you need to be part of the soccer community. This means putting yourself out there, attending events, and connecting with people who can help you grow.
Where to Network:
- Local Clubs and Coaches: Volunteer to help out at a local club. Many scouts get their start working with grassroots teams.
- Soccer Conferences: Events like the United Soccer Coaches Convention or regional FA meetings are goldmines for networking.
- Online Communities: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and soccer-specific forums are great places to connect with like-minded people.
When networking, don’t just focus on what people can do for you. Be genuine, offer value, and show your passion for the game.
Step 5: Get Hands-On Experience
One of the best ways to break into scouting is by starting at the grassroots level. This might mean working with youth academies, semi-professional teams, or even volunteering.
Why Grassroots Scouting?
- It’s Accessible: You don’t need insider connections to get started.
- It Builds Your Resume: Experience is everything in scouting.
- You’ll Learn Fast: Working at this level teaches you how to spot potential, even in players who are far from polished.
Start by reaching out to local clubs or academies and offering your services. You might not get paid at first, but the experience and connections will be invaluable.
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Step 6: Learn to Use Technology
Modern scouting is not just about what you see with your eyes, it’s also about leveraging data. Analytics tools like Wyscout, Hudl, and InstatScout are used by scouts worldwide to analyze player performance.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
- Video Analysis: Learn how to break down game footage to assess players’ strengths and weaknesses.
- Data Analysis: Understand basic metrics like expected goals (xG), pass completion rates, and defensive actions. These stats can help you identify trends and support your observations.
- Presentation Skills: Learn how to create polished, data-driven reports. Clubs love scouts who can back up their opinions with solid evidence.
Step 7: Apply for Scouting Roles
Once you’ve built your skills, portfolio, and network, it’s time to start applying for roles. Look for opportunities with clubs, agencies, or organizations that need talent scouts.
Where to Find Jobs:
- Club Websites: Many clubs post scouting vacancies on their official sites.
- Job Boards: Websites like LinkedIn, TeamWork Online, and Indeed often have listings for soccer-related roles.
- Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in sports recruitment and can connect you with potential employers.
When applying, tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and passion for scouting. Include examples from your portfolio and any recommendations you’ve received from coaches or mentors.
Step 8: Stay Patient and Persistent
Here’s the truth: breaking into scouting isn’t easy. It takes time, dedication, and a thick skin. You might face rejection, and it could be months (or even years) before you land your first big opportunity. But if you stay persistent, your hard work will pay off.
Tips to Stay Motivated:
- Set short-term goals, like attending X number of games or writing Y number of reports each month.
- Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your passion.
- Celebrate small wins, like positive feedback on a report or a new connection in the industry.
Wrapping Up
As a soccer scout, you are not just finding players, you’re shaping the future of the game. You could be the person who discovers the next superstar or helps a talented youngster achieve their dreams. That’s a powerful responsibility and one that makes all the hard work worth it.
The journey won’t be easy, but it will be incredibly rewarding.
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