Academy Scout

Gondola; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401k matching

Wellness reimbursements

Job summary

Gondola is seeking an Academy Scout to identify and recruit elite youth talent for the Philadelphia Union Academy. The role focuses on managing scouting operations, developing relationships with youth clubs, and ensuring the club's scouting strategy is effective.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of relevant experience, strong organizational skills, and a network within youth soccer environments. This position offers a chance to impact future leaders in sports.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of scouting experience within the soccer industry, preferably at the professional level.
• Extensive knowledge of local, regional, and national youth soccer environments.
• Strong domestic and international soccer network.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily scouting and recruitment operations for the Philadelphia Union Academy.
• Coordinate scouting assignments and improve workflows for efficiency.
• Develop and maintain relationships with youth clubs and key influencers.

Skills

Scouting experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Talent evaluation

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Scouting databases

Video analysis software

Job description

# Academy Scout## Philadelphia Union•### @PhilaUnionPosted on 6/9/2026•Full-time## Job Description**WHO WE ARE**Awarded Major League Soccer’s 16th franchise in 2008, the Philadelphia Union officially took the pitch in 2010 and have been raising expectations ever since. Owned and operated by Union Sports & Entertainment, the Philadelphia Union call Subaru Park home—an 18,500-seat, world-class, soccer-specific stadium set along the Delaware River beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the **Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025**, recognizing the club’s excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned **Eastern Conference Champions in 2022**, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar.Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club’s crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city’s revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us.**ABOUT THE ROLE** The Academy Scout will play a key role in the identification, evaluation, recruitment, and tracking of elite youth talent for the Philadelphia Union Academy. Working under the direction of the Academy Director and Head of Academy Scouting, this position will support the administration and execution of the Academy's scouting and recruitment strategy while helping oversee the club's scouting network, processes, residency program coordination, and talent identification initiatives.As an integrated member of the Philadelphia Union's Professional Scouting Department, the Academy Scout will operate within the club's unified scouting structure and contribute to the professional pathway from Academy through Union II and the First Team. The role will focus on managing and overseeing the scouting and recruitment process across local, regional, and national domestic markets to identify high-potential players who fit the Philadelphia Union's player development model.**RESPONSIBILITES** *Scouting Operations & Talent Identification** Manage the day-to-day scouting and recruitment operations of the Philadelphia Union Academy.* Ensure top talent within the Union's designated catchment area is identified, monitored, and evaluated.* Coordinate scouting assignments and improve scouting workflows to maintain consistency and efficiency.* Scout players through live match observation and video analysis across domestic and international competitions as assigned.* Analyze players and matches for the Academy, Union II, and First Team based on criteria established by the Director of Scouting.* Maintain strong player reference points and benchmarking standards for internal and external player comparisons.* Lead ongoing updates and enhancements to the Academy Recruitment and Talent Identification framework.*Database & Reporting** Maintain and continuously expand the Academy scouting database.* Ensure scouting reports, player evaluations, and recruitment records are accurate, organized, and up to date.* Utilize scouting databases, video analysis platforms, and reporting systems consistent with the club's professional scouting methodology.*Network & Relationship Management** Manage communication and operational structure within the Union Academy Scouting Network.* Develop and maintain relationships with youth clubs, coaches, agents, and key influencers throughout the domestic youth soccer landscape.* Communicate regularly with scouting contacts to identify emerging talent, trends, and opportunities.* Organize and facilitate scouting meetings, conference calls, and recruitment discussions.*Collaboration & Strategic Planning** Attend weekly and monthly meetings with the Philadelphia Union Professional Scouting Department.* Collaborate closely with the Director of Academy & Professional Development, Director of Scouting, Academy staff, Union II staff, and First Team personnel.* Support and help evolve the Academy's scouting strategy and philosophy in response to changes within the youth soccer ecosystem.* Liaise with internal departments to ensure timely and effective communication of scouting and recruitment information.*Recruitment & Residency Support** Assist with coordination and administration of the club's Residency Program.* Organize trialist visits and recruitment events.* Coordinate communication with YSC Academy leadership and relevant staff regarding prospective student-athletes and residency candidates.**OTHER*** Respond to requests from club leadership on short notice when required.* Support special projects and other duties as assigned.* Frequent travel throughout the local, regional, and national youth soccer landscape.* Ability to attend matches, tournaments, showcases, and scouting events on evenings and weekends.* Ability to work in outdoor environments for extended periods.**QUALIFICATIONS*** Minimum of two (2) years of scouting experience within the soccer industry, preferably at the professional level.* Bachelor's degree or higher.* Extensive knowledge of local, regional, and national youth soccer environments, leagues, clubs, and associations.* Coaching and/or scouting certifications preferred.* Strong domestic and international soccer network.* Experience using scouting databases, video analysis software, and player evaluation tools.* Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.* Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.**WHO YOU ARE*** Strong understanding of player development pathways and academy environments.* Ability to evaluate talent through both objective analysis and subjective assessment.* Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills.* Alignment with the methodology, values, and standards of the Philadelphia Union Scouting Department.**\*Flexible schedule required to successfully complete job requirements, including nights, weekends and holidays. Occasional travel may be necessary\*****WHY THE UNION?** At the Philadelphia Union, development is in our DNA. From our world-class academy to our front office, we believe in identifying talent early, investing in it fully, and creating real pathways for growth. If you’re driven, coachable, and willing to put in the work, the Union will match your ambition.You’ll join a competitive, high-energy environment where:* **People get better every day** as leaders and teammates* **Winning matters**, but how we win matters just as much* **Coaching, feedback, and accountability** are part of the culture, not buzzwords* **Soccer passion is real** and matchdays mean something hereWe celebrate effort, creativity, and results. We challenge each other. We have fun. And we take pride in developing future leaders who go on to make an impact across the sports industry.**OUR PERKS*** Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.* Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after elimination period).* Company-paid life insurance and disability.* Wellness reimbursements through IBX.* 50% Union merchandise discount.* Other league and partner discounts.* Complimentary or discounted tickets.* 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center, locker rooms, and Sportsplex.* On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill!We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description. **Championship teams are built on diverse strengths. If you’re passionate about sports and excited about this role, we want to hear from you!** We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.