University in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke City Football Club is seeking dedicated and observant individuals to join our Academy scouting network, playing a vital role in identifying and nurturing future talent. We have exciting opportunities available for talented Academy Scouts who will assess high potential players for our U15-U21 Academy across either North London and Hertfordshire, or the Midlands. As an Academy Scout, your keen eye will directly contribute to the Club's player recruitment strategy, helping to shape the future of Stoke City Football Club.

Main Responsibilities

• Identifying and reporting on the most talented young players in their designated geographical area.
• Developing a network within youth football and across clubs in your region.
• Keeping accurate and detailed records of observed matches and players.
• Ensuring completion of required forms and collated information on potential player recruits.
• Acting as point of contact between the youth Academy, players’ parents/guardians and their respective clubs.
• Giving feedback to parents/guardians at the end of a period of training and assessment.
• Attending scouting meetings with the Head of Academy Recruitment and preparing in advance of those meetings updates of all scouting activity and targeted players.
• Having a detailed understanding of our Academy player philosophy and requirements by periodically attending Stoke City Academy training and matches.
• Projecting a professional image and maintaining an ambassadorial role for the Club and youth Academy at all times whilst adhering to the Club’s policies and protocols specifically in relation to the recruitment of young players.
• Attending Child Protection training as required by the Club and adhering to all guidelines contained within the Club’s Safeguarding policies.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Experience and thorough understanding of Elite Academy Football in both Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase (U15-U21).
• Ability to work in a target driven environment as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good IT Skills.
• Proactive in their approach.
• Trustworthy, adhering to codes of conduct, ethics and confidentiality.
• FA Talent Identification Level 1. FA Talent Identification Level 2 is desirable.
• The role requires a high degree of flexibility to cover evening and weekend work as required.
• This position will be offered on a casual and intermittent basis.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risks and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.

Closing date for applications is Friday 10th July 2026. Stoke City Football Club endorses the principle of Equality and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in the Club will be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.

By applying to us you are agreeing to share your Personal Data in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Policy. The Club is committed to providing access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in without threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment, bullying and abuse. Any person associated with the Club can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected and in particular, that they are able to enjoy their engagement at the Club.