Volunteer Academy Scout – U9 to U16

Crystal Palace FC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A Premier League Football Club in London seeks enthusiastic individuals to support the U9-U16 academy recruitment programme. The role involves identifying young players with the potential for professional development. Responsibilities include attending weekend fixtures and assessing players' abilities. Ideal candidates possess good observation skills and relevant scouting or coaching qualifications. Strong commitment to safeguarding is required. This volunteer position offers a unique opportunity to get involved in youth talent identification.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic, observant individuals required.
• Willingness to work weekends is essential.
• Experience in coaching, scouting, or playing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend grassroots weekend fixtures U9-U16.
• Identify players with high potential.
• Assess technical ability and game understanding.

Skills

Good observation skills

Written reporting skills

Reliability

Commitment to safeguarding

Knowledge of local grassroots football

Education

FA / UEFA coaching or scouting qualifications

Job description

Job Location: London, United Kingdom

Contract Type: Volunteer Weekends

Deadline: 14th January 2026

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role:

We are looking for enthusiastic and observant individuals to support our U9–U16 academy recruitment programme. The role involves identifying and reporting on young players with the potential to progress to a salaried position within a professional academy environment.

This position is ideal for those looking to gain experience in youth talent identification and player development.

Responsibilities:

• Attend grassroots weekend fixtures u9-u16.
• Identify players demonstrating high potential for long-term development.
• Assess technical ability, decision-making, game understanding, physical profile, and attitude.
• Complete CPFC scouting reports.
• Communicate player recommendations to recruitment staff.
• Act professionally and discreetly at all fixtures.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Uphold and promote the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Good observation and written reporting skills.
• Reliability and willingness to work weekends.
• Commitment to safeguarding.
• Coaching, scouting, or playing experience.
• FA / UEFA coaching or scouting qualifications.
• Knowledge of local grassroots and academy football.

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact [e-mail]). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.