Senior Scout

The Association of Professional Football Analysis; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football academy is seeking an experienced Scouting and Talent Identification Manager to enhance its recruitment operations in Blackburn. The role involves promoting player welfare, undertaking senior scouting duties, and managing talent scouts across designated regions. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, relevant FA certifications, and a passion for developing elite football talent. This full-time position offers opportunities to interact with local clubs and nurture promising players to join the academy.

Responsibilities

• Promote safeguarding and wellbeing of elite players.
• Undertake scouting duties and report findings.
• Manage Academy Talent Scouts effectively.
• Ensure accurate completion of recruitment paperwork.
• Maintain communication with recruiting staff.

Skills

Strong leadership and people-management skills

Excellent organisational ability and attention to detail

Highly professional approach at all times

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

IT literate

Highly motivated with a genuine passion for elite football and player development

Education

FA Talent Identification Certificate

FA Safeguarding Children Workshop

Enhanced DBS

Job description

Full Time Blackburn Rovers Academy, Brockhall Village, Old Langho, BB6 8BA. Posted on January 28, 2026. Closes: February 6, 2026.

Role Purpose

To position Blackburn Rovers FC Academy as a leading destination for talent identification, ensuring the recruitment of the highest-potential players within the designated catchment area.

Responsibilities

• Safeguarding & Professional Standards
  • Actively promote the safeguarding, welfare, and wellbeing of all elite players, maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
  • Ensure full compliance with FA safeguarding standards, EPPP regulations, and club policies.
• Scouting & Talent Identification
  • Undertake Senior Scouting duties on behalf of the Academy Recruitment Department.
  • Attend academy, grassroots, school, private coaching, district, county, and international matches as required.
  • Identify, verify, and recommend potential academy talent in line with the Academy’s football philosophy.
  • Complete detailed match and player reports, submitting all relevant information to the Head of Academy Recruitment / Recruitment Operations Manager.
  • Formally introduce targeted players to Blackburn Rovers FC in accordance with the club’s Scout Code of Conduct.
  • Verify and quality-check scouting recommendations where possible.
• Leadership & Network Management
  • Manage Academy Talent Scouts within the designated region.
  • Maintain regular communication with Talent Scouts and Talent Spotters.
  • Ensure all scouting reports are completed accurately and in line with the Academy Recruitment Strategy.
  • Develop, manage, and expand local, regional, and national scouting networks.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with grassroots clubs, schools, districts, private coaching organisations, and football associations.
• Recruitment Operations
  • Ensure all recruitment documentation and paperwork is completed accurately and submitted efficiently.
  • Populate trialist fixtures when required.
  • Recommend appropriate friendly fixtures for Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase age groups.
  • Attend Academy Recruitment meetings and relevant courses or workshops as required.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of academy players and recruitment standards.
  • Liaise regularly with the Head of Academy Recruitment and Recruitment Operations Manager to discuss findings and progress.
  • Undertake any additional duties reasonably assigned in line with the needs of the Academy and the Club.

Skills Required

• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• Excellent organisational ability and attention to detail
• Highly professional approach at all times
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• IT literate
• Highly motivated with a genuine passion for elite football and player development

Knowledge Required

• In-depth understanding of professional academy football within the local area
• Strong knowledge of grassroots football leagues and clubs
• Comprehensive awareness of safeguarding procedures and best practice
• Detailed understanding of football activity within the designated region

Qualifications

Essential:

• FA Talent Identification Certificate
• FA Safeguarding Children Workshop

DBS Check

• Enhanced DBS required