Academy Scout - North West

Sunderland AFC; Manchester; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Sunderland AFC is seeking an Academy Scout for the North West on a casual, zero-hour basis. You will observe, assess and report on young players, attend events across the North West, and help implement the academy's talent identification strategy.

This role requires FA Level 2 Talent ID or equivalent, strong knowledge of the North West football scene, and a commitment to safeguarding, with availability for evenings, weekends and travel.

Qualifications

• FA Level 2 Talent ID or equivalent with proven scouting or player assessment experience.
• Knowledge of the North West football landscape and regional contacts.
• Ability to spot potential and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and discretion; DBS may be required.

Responsibilities

• Observe, assess and report on prospective players against profile and long-term potential.
• Attend fixtures, festivals, tournaments and events across the North West and Sunderland.
• Maintain an intelligence-led coverage plan and use club systems for reporting.
• Represent the Club professionally while safeguarding young people at all times.

Skills

Scouting experience

North West knowledge

Relationship building

Integrity & safeguarding

Education

FA Level 2 Talent ID

Job description

About the Team:

The Player Development Team at SAFC, are dedicated to shaping young talent both on and off the pitch!

About the Team:

The Player Development Team at SAFC, are dedicated to shaping young talent both on and off the pitch!

Our core mission is to provide a comprehensive education and development framework that empowers youth players to grow into skilled athletes and responsible individuals.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for an Academy Scout - North West to support Sunderland AFC Academy's talent identification strategy across the North West region. This role is a casual, zero-hour contract position.

You will maintain an active, intelligence-led coverage plan across academy, professional, grassroots, school, county and representative football, attending fixtures, festivals, tournaments and events as directed.

The role will observe, assess and report on prospective players against Sunderland AFC Academy's positional profiles, playing philosophy, long-term potential and character requirements, while representing the Club professionally and protecting the welfare of young people at all times.

What We Ask For:

You'll have FA Level 2 Talent ID, or equivalent, with proven scouting or player assessment experience in academy, professional or high-level grassroots football. Strong knowledge of the North West football landscape, credible regional contacts and the ability to build trusted relationships are essential.

You'll be confident spotting potential, making evidence-based recommendations and submitting accurate reports through Club systems. You'll also bring integrity, discretion and a strong commitment to safeguarding, with availability for evenings, weekends and school-holiday football, plus travel across the North West and occasionally to Sunderland.

You will be required to obtain a Basic DBS through SAFC.