5 Steps to Starting Your Scouting Journey

Football Progression Path #1

In today’s issue of the progression path I’m going to share the 5 steps to get you started on your scouting journey:

The barrier to entry into scouting has never been lower, everything you need to get started is free and online.

Everyone seems to think you need all sorts of qualifications, experience and access to expensive tools. Let me tell you, you don’t.

Scouting is a dream job for many, you have the ability to start your journey right now.

Here are the steps:

1. Take FA Talent ID level 1
2. Find a video competition
3. Write digital scout reports
4. Create an online portfolio
5. Connect with other scouts

1. FA Talent ID Level 1

Many people don’t seem to know that the FA have a free online talent ID course that you can take from the comfort of your own home.

It’s designed as an introduction. From understanding your responsibilities as a scout to establishing a rounded view of player potential at any age. It’s a good starting point.

It’s two hours long, and completely online, there’s no excuse to not get the ball rolling with this.

2. Find a Video Competition

Video scouting has taken off post-covid, with more and more work being done on Wyscout.

The issue is that unless you’re at a club you’re not going to have access to it. This leads to new scouts worrying about where they can watch football. There are plenty of competitions who stream all their games online for free, with playback.

You just need to find one you’re interested in, and get watching.

From Korea Republic, to the USA and everywhere in between. If you’re looking for competitions to watch, check Ben Griffis’ free streaming sheet.​

3. Write Digital Scout Reports

Your scout reports don’t have to be fancy.

They can take form on Apple Notes, Google Docs or my personal favourite, Notion. The goal should be to have your insights on a digital tool. You want your reports to be searchable, always backed-up, and most importantly, easy to share.

Notion allows you to create a whole scouting system with templates, dashboards, analytics, visuals and more.

If you need it, I have a free Notion scouting hub to help you.

4. Create an Online Portfolio

“If your work isn’t online, it doesn’t exist” - Austin Kleon

Creating an online portfolio on social platforms to showcase your reports and scouting knowledge is the best time investment you can make. It enables you to get instant feedback on your work, which shortens the feedback loop. Allowing you to improve at a quicker rate.

Let’s not forget it also helps you grow a network of analysts and scouts.

5. Connect With Other Scouts

Creating an online portfolio makes this easier, as you’re going to be in the same place as other scouts.

Social platforms such as X or LinkedIn are great, but use whatever you personally prefer. Just make sure other current, new and aspiring scouts are using the platform. Be active, be busy, give feedback to others, engage in conversations. Question how you can provide value to them.

A strong network truly has the ability to open doors for you, and if nothing else - you’ll be able to get feedback on your work and develop.

So there you have it, 5 steps to get your football scouting journey started. All online, all for free, you just need to put it into practice.

Feel free to reply to this email, or reach out to me on X, or LinkedIn if you have any further questions.

And that’s all for today.

I’ll see you next week.

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Whenever you’re ready there are 2 ways I can help you:

1. ​The Online Portfolio Blueprint - My flagship course for helping new, current and aspiring football professionals. We give you the blueprint on how to grow your knowledge, network and opportunities in football by writing online through an online portfolio.
2. ​Pro Scout Edge - Our scouting tool has been created by professionals and tested by experts in football. It’s the ultimate online scouting database you need for your scouting journey. It forms an all-in-one system for player and team scouting, with templates, dashboards and more.