At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scouting and talent identification in your London area, building strong community relationships.
- Company: Join Crystal Palace Football Club, a vibrant and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in sports recruitment and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' careers while working in grassroots football.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of South East London football and experience in scouting or coaching.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About this role:
We are looking for FOUR Scout coordinators to lead and coordinate all academy scouting and talent identification activity within a selected London Area (SE, SW, NE, and NW – each role will cover one of the four areas), direct the scouting team responsible for identifying talent in the SEL region. Ensuring consistent grassroots coverage, high-quality player assessments, and strong relationships with local clubs, leagues, schools, and communities.
Regional Scouting Coordination
- Plan, manage, and deliver scouting coverage across South East London boroughs.
- Develop a deep understanding of the local player landscape, including key clubs, leagues, schools, tournaments, and emerging talent hotspots.
- Attend matches, festivals, and events to identify players aligned with academy values and behaviours.
- Manage the scouting matrix (games visited, players seen).
- Regular contact with the CP Showcase Manager/ Head of phase recruitment.
- Track best grassroots players into showcase manager for fixtures.
- Liase with the scouts/ showcase manager on teams invited in.
- Oversee Scout coverage.
Talent Identification
- Provide detailed, accurate player reports following academy Talent ID criteria.
- Recommend players across relevant age phases (e.g., U7–U18).
- Support video and data-based assessments if required.
- Monitor players over time to track development and identify those with long-term potential.
Scouting Network Management
- Recruit, organise, and mentor grassroots scouts within South London.
- Create weekly scouting schedules and ensure area coverage targets are met.
- Hold regional briefings, CPD sessions, and feedback meetings with the local scouting team.
- Attend all CPFC CPD and TID events.
Community & Club Relationships
- Establish strong connections with grassroots clubs, coaches, schools, and County FA representatives across South London.
- Act as the academy's primary contact point for South London enquiries.
- Represent the academy at local football events, outreach programmes, and tournaments.
Trial Process & Player Pathways
- Coordinate showcase invitations for players identified within the region with the SM.
- Liase with the SM and phase lead on invites and trials.
- Support communication with parents, players, and grassroots coaches regarding showcase and pathways.
- Track showcase outcomes and ensure all records and reports are completed.
- Regular attendance to showcase fixtures to support the SM.
Compliance & Safeguarding
- Ensure all recruitment processes comply with FA, Premier League/EFL Youth Development Rules, Safeguarding standards, and GDPR.
- Maintain accurate and secure regional player data and reporting logs.
Reporting & Administration
- Provide weekly or monthly updates on scouting coverage, recommendations, and showcase success rates.
- Feed regional insights into academy-wide recruitment meetings.
- Monitor local trends (e.g., club strengths, demographic shifts, talent pockets).
Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
Upholding and promoting the Club's policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of South East London grassroots football.
- Experience in scouting, coaching, or recruitment within the Pre Academy/FDP and YDP.
- Ability to self-manage a large regional area.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
- Clean, enhanced DBS and understanding of Safeguarding.
- Reliable, proactive, and highly organised.
- Confident in making evidence-based decisions.
- FA Talent ID Qualifications (Level 1–3).
- Supporting management/Leadership roles.
- Existing contacts within South East London leagues and clubs.
- Experience managing a scouting team.
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.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed 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 DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). 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.
London Regional Scout Coordinator (x4) | CPFC employer: TheASPA
Crystal Palace Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusion while fostering strong community relationships. As a London Regional Scout Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to lead grassroots scouting efforts in South East London, with access to professional development and mentoring within a supportive team environment. The club's commitment to equality ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered, making it a rewarding place to build a career in sports recruitment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land London Regional Scout Coordinator (x4) | CPFC
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local football scene like the back of your hand! Attend matches, festivals, and community events to build relationships with clubs and coaches. This will not only help you identify talent but also show your commitment to grassroots football.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Actively reach out to local clubs and schools to introduce yourself and the academy. Building a strong network will make it easier to scout potential players and get insights into emerging talent.
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your scouting reports detailed and accurate. Use the academy's Talent ID criteria to assess players effectively. The more thorough your reports, the better your recommendations will be, which can really make a difference in the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay organised and proactive! Create weekly scouting schedules and ensure you’re meeting coverage targets. Regular communication with your scouting team will help keep everyone on the same page and improve overall performance.
We think you need these skills to ace London Regional Scout Coordinator (x4) | CPFC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the scouting landscape in South East London and think about how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make it personal! Highlight your relevant experience in scouting, coaching, or recruitment, and show us how you can contribute to our academy's success.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for grassroots football! Share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to talent identification and community engagement. Let your passion shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at TheASPA
✨Know Your Local Football Scene
Before the interview, dive deep into the grassroots football landscape of South East London. Familiarise yourself with key clubs, leagues, and emerging talent hotspots. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Scouting Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous scouting or coaching experiences in detail. Prepare specific examples of players you've identified and how you assessed their potential. Highlight any successful recruitment strategies you've implemented in the past.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your relationship-building skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've established connections with local clubs, coaches, and schools. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrating your ability to foster strong community ties will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since compliance and safeguarding are key aspects of this role, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure adherence to FA and Premier League Youth Development Rules, as well as your understanding of safeguarding standards.
