Academy Scout

Core Purpose of the Role

• To identify children and young people that have the potential to play football and be involved in a performance programme at Livingston Football Club.

Key Accountabilities

• To observe children and young people playing football in a match and/or training environment with the purpose of assessing their future potential in line with [Employer hidden]’s standard operating procedures.
• To communicate within [Employer hidden] in relation to children and young people that have been observed in line with [Employer hidden]’s standard operating procedures.
• Provide submission of player reports with clear recommendations to the Head of Player Recruitment.
• Undertake extensive networking and build positive relationships with clubs, other scouts, trusted sources, leads and other key stakeholders in the football community.
• To uphold the principles set out in the national Protocol for the Recruitment, Management and Monitoring of Football Scouts.
• Observe, and be subject to, the rules, regulations, articles and by-laws of the Scottish Football Association, or any other relevant football governing body.
• Be responsible for personal continuous professional development and ensure qualifications are up to date.
• Observe [Employer hidden] Safeguarding policies, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children and young people, and undertake training as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GDPR policies in accordance with [Employer hidden]’s HR procedures and statutory legislation.

KEY ATTRIBUTES, CAPABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

• A detailed knowledge and understanding of talent identification.
• A detailed knowledge of relevant football rules in relation to the recruitment and identification of children and young people to play within Scottish football
• Knowledge and understanding of the national context of children’s wellbeing and protection in Scotland.
• Knowledge and understanding of children’s rights and participation.
• Ability to identify children and young people with the skills and competencies required for potential football players, including an ability to assess players’ capabilities and development needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to network and build positive relationships with other Scouts and trusted sources and leads.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills.
• Ability to maintain records in an ordered and confidential manner, including those stored and submitted electronically.
• The ability to understand and be sensitive to the needs of children & young people, parents/carers, [Employer hidden].
• Trustworthy and acts with professionalism and integrity always, recognising that they are an ambassador for [Employer hidden].
• The ability to build effective relationships with others.
• The ability to produce player and opposition analysis reports in accordance with [Employer hidden]’s operating procedures and timelines.
• A team player who supports the work of colleagues across the Talent ID department.
• A commitment to self-development and maintaining a current awareness in the field of Talent Identification.
• Experience using a PC / laptop and familiar with Outlook and Excel.
• This role is regulated work with children/young people therefore it is a requirement to obtain a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) certificate via Disclosure Scotland.
• A valid UK Driving Licence
• Legal right to work in the UK.
• A requirement to travel regularly to locations across Scotland as identified by the Head of Player Recruitment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Scottish FA Talent ID Level 1 certificate.
• Children’s Wellbeing in Scottish Football certificate.
• Mental Health in Scottish Football certificate.

EXPERIENCE

• Previous scouting experience, particularly within a Football Academy.
• Knowledge and understanding of SFA scouting criteria and protocols.
• Knowledge and understanding of the SFA CAS programme.