Pathway · Step up
Match Scout (Part-Time) to Academy / Youth Scout
How to move from Match Scout (Part-Time) to Academy / Youth Scout: what to learn, what to prove and what formal steps, if any, are needed.
Qualification check for Academy / Youth Scout
Strongly preferred
Most employers will expect a qualification for the new role, but evidence of experience also counts. Clubs expect safeguarding training and background checks. Beyond that, no formal scouting qualification is required.
2 to 4 yearstypical timeline
2new skills to build
1qualifications to consider
+286%mid-point UK pay change, illustrative
The move at a glance
Match Scout (Part-Time)
Watches local matches for a club or scouting network and files reports on players.
Academy / Youth Scout
Identifies young talent for club development programmes.
Skills and knowledge to build
Experience and routes that help
The routes into your current role also work for this one. Focus on a wider scope of responsibility.
Qualifications to consider
Tools to learn
What the new role asks of you
- Watch youth matches and tournaments in a region
- Build relationships with schools, coaches and families
- Recommend players for trials
Practical steps
- Ask for a small piece of the new role's work before you apply, for example one of the tasks above.
- Close the top gap first: Child & Youth Development.
- Keep a record of two results that show you working at the next level.
- Talk to three people who do the job. Ask how they got in, and who they would recommend you speak to.