Academy Scout - London (Consultant)

Southampton Football Club; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Southampton Football Club is seeking an Academy Scout to help identify and recruit talented U12-16 grassroots players in London for the Academy. You will scout grassroots football, build a network of clubs, and work with the London Lead Scout to follow the academy recruitment structure.

The role involves recording player data and attending meetings, games and events at the training ground when required. DBS checks and weekend availability are expected.

Qualifications

• FA Level 1 in Talent Identification is essential.
• Knowledge of football and the local area is important.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Actively scout grassroots football within and beyond the catchment area for the club.
• Develop a network of clubs and organisations to assist talent identification.
• Identify, recruit and invite talented young players following the academy structure.
• Keep records of players identified and data accessible to senior recruitment staff.
• Attend meetings and events at the training ground as required.

Skills

Knowledge of football

Written and verbal communication

Willingness to learn

Flexible approach

Education

FA Level 1 in Talent Identification

FA Level 2 in Talent Identification (Desirable)

Job description

Be part of our journey...

Location: London Assessment Centre Hours: As and when required Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List

What is the role?

We’re looking for an Academy Scout to play a key role in identifying and assisting in the recruitment of talented U12-16 grassroots players in London for the Southampton FC Academy.

What will you be doing?

• Actively scout grassroots football, within and beyond the key catchment area for the club.
• Develop an effective network of clubs and associated organisations to assist in the talent identification process.
• Work closely with the London Lead Scout to identify, recruit and invite talented young footballers and people following the recruitment structure according to the needs of the academy.
• Ensure records of players identified and player data are kept, recorded and made available as needed by senior recruitment staff.
• Play a full part in the recruitment structure of the Academy recruitment department as required, including attending meetings online and in person as well as attendance at games and events at the training ground from time to time.

Is this you?

If you’re passionate about identifying talent and have a strong understanding of youth development at the foundation and youth development phases, we’d love to hear from you.

Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• FA Level 1 in Talent Identification.
• Knowledge of football as well as the local and surrounding areas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn, develop and succeed.
• Flexible approach to meet the demands of the business.
• Availability Saturdays & Sundays and occasionally weekday evenings.
• Must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom

Desirable Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• FA Level 2 in Talent Identification.
• Previous experience as a player, coach and/or scout.

The closing date for this role is 23 October 2026.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.

* We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment.

You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment. The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.

About Us

POTENTIAL INTO EXCELLENCE Southampton Football Club is part of St. Mary's Football Group, which also includes the affiliated registered charity – the Saints Foundation. We look for people with integrity, compassion and support for those around them; people who take pride in what they do with an honest approach, who embrace a challenge while also being accountable for their decisions; people who have the energy and passion to bring an innovative approach to their role and strive to be different from the rest; people with the aspiration to lead the way and become an example to others. Within the walls of St. Mary's Stadium, Staplewood Campus, the Bath Academy and our other sites and development centers across the South of England, you'll be given the platform to work in a vibrant, intelligent and challenging environment with the potential to develop and become the best at what you do. We don't stand still, we are constantly moving forward. Be part of it…

Southampton Football Club promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We have the Disability Confident Award, which we pride ourselves on with regard to the commitment to employing disabled people and judging people on their abilities alone. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. We make a commitment to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities.

Southampton Football Club is an Equal Opportunities Employer Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK. Southampton Football Club recognises that the safety and protection of those children and young people in day to day contact with the Club is paramount. We are committed to creating a safe culture for all. As such, you may be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service and prior to taking any role. Southampton Football Club is committed to protecting the privacy and security of every applicant’s personal information. Please see our Recruitment Privacy Notice and Group Privacy & Data Protection Policy on our main careers page for further information .