Talent Scout - Football Academy

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contract-based remuneration

Work with respected football academy

Gain talent recruitment experience

Contribute to player development

Networking in SA football community

Contract extension potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Talent Scout to identify promising young footballers in the Kimberley, Northern Cape region. The role involves attending matches, evaluating potential, and building relationships with clubs and coaches to submit detailed reports.

The ideal candidate has proven scouting experience, strong observational skills, and a passion for youth development. Extensive regional travel and flexible hours are expected as part of this opportunity.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in football scouting or talent identification within an academy or youth development setting.
• Extensive knowledge of football tactics, player development pathways, and local football landscape.
• Excellent observational skills and the ability to accurately assess player potential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with players, coaches and parents.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and objective scouting reports.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region and work flexible hours, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Actively scout for talented young footballers at local leagues, tournaments, and school matches.
• Evaluate players based on technical ability, tactical awareness, physical attributes, and psychological profile.
• Prepare comprehensive and objective scouting reports on potential recruits, highlighting strengths and areas for development.
• Maintain strong relationships with local football clubs, coaches, and community leaders to facilitate talent identification.
• Identify players who align with the academy’s playing style and development philosophy.
• Provide timely feedback to the academy's recruitment team and coaching staff regarding identified talent.
• Attend coaching clinics and industry events to stay abreast of current trends in player development and scouting.
• Ensure ethical scouting practices and uphold the reputation of the academy.
• Manage a schedule of scouting activities, prioritizing key events and target regions.
• Assist in the organization of trials and evaluation days for prospective players.

Skills

Scouting experience

Football knowledge

Observation skills

Communication

Report writing

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Youth development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious football academy renowned for its exceptional youth development program, is seeking a sharp-eyed and dedicated Talent Scout to identify promising young footballers within the Kimberley, Northern Cape region. This is a crucial role focused on discovering and recruiting players who possess the technical skill, tactical understanding, and mental fortitude to succeed within the academy structure. The Talent Scout will be responsible for attending matches, evaluating player potential, building relationships with local clubs and coaches, and submitting detailed reports on prospective candidates. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of football, excellent observational skills, and a passion for youth development. You will play an instrumental part in shaping the future of the academy by bringing in the next generation of talented athletes. This position requires extensive travel within the specified region and a commitment to identifying talent that aligns with the academy’s philosophy and standards, contributing directly to the club's long-term success and player pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively scout for talented young footballers at local leagues, tournaments, and school matches.
• Evaluate players based on technical ability, tactical awareness, physical attributes, and psychological profile.
• Prepare comprehensive and objective scouting reports on potential recruits, highlighting strengths and areas for development.
• Maintain strong relationships with local football clubs, coaches, and community leaders to facilitate talent identification.
• Identify players who align with the academy’s playing style and development philosophy.
• Provide timely feedback to the academy's recruitment team and coaching staff regarding identified talent.
• Attend coaching clinics and industry events to stay abreast of current trends in player development and scouting.
• Ensure ethical scouting practices and uphold the reputation of the academy.
• Manage a schedule of scouting activities, prioritizing key events and target regions.
• Assist in the organization of trials and evaluation days for prospective players.

Requirements

• Proven experience in football scouting or talent identification, preferably within an academy or youth development setting.
• Extensive knowledge of football tactics, player development pathways, and the local football landscape.
• Excellent observational skills and the ability to accurately assess player potential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with players, coaches, and parents.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and objective scouting reports.
• A passion for football and a genuine interest in youth development.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region and work flexible hours, including weekends.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are essential.
• Understanding of child protection policies and best practices in youth sports is advantageous.
• Basic understanding of player performance metrics is a plus.

Benefits

• Contract-based remuneration with competitive rates, reflecting experience and success.
• Opportunity to work with a highly respected football academy.
• Gain valuable experience in talent identification and player recruitment.
• Contribute directly to the development of future football stars.
• Networking opportunities within the South African football community.
• Potential for contract extension or transition to full-time roles based on performance.