How to become a professional football scout
The Professional Football Scouts Association are the UK and Overseas leading providers of talent identification in football training to both new and experienced football scouts. The PFSA pioneer new and engaging ways of highlighting talent and have created an extensive portfolio of courses. Below you will find the most commonly asked questions we receive in relation to how to become a football scout. If you have any any specific questions you would like to ask in relation to becoming a professional football scout please feel free to contact the PFSA.
What PFSA certifications do you recommend if I'm new to football scouting?
If you are new to football scouting we strongly recommend the online Level 1 Talent Identification In Football course. The PFSA Level 1 is online and can be completed in your own time. It covers 11 modules and is an excellent starting point if you intend on pursuing a career in football.
How old do I have to be in order to pursue a career as a professional football scout and do I need experience to attend your courses?
You have to be at least 18 years old in order to be a professional football scout. You do not need any football scouting experience in order to complete any PFSA Scouting Course, just a good understanding of the game
How do I find more information on the PFSA Scouting Courses?
You can find all the information you need on our dedicated page to PFSA Scouting Courses. This includes all the information you need including costs, location and how to book. If you need any further information then feel free to contact the PFSA.
What is a DBS check and do I have to complete one?
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) was formerly known as a CRB check, every football scout must complete an application before they are able to work with children. The PFSA work in partnership with Personnel Checks who conduct all our DBS checks.
Do I receive a certificate after attending the course?
Yes, the PFSA Level 2 Talent Identification In Football and Level 3 Advanced Reporting Courses you will receive a Government accredited NCFE Certification (http://www.ncfe.org.uk/). You will also receive a PFSA certification for all our online courses. Including our PFSA Level 1 Talent Identification In Football, Introduction Into Football Scouting and Introduction Into Football Intermediary Course.
What are the chances of finding a position within a football club?
The PFSA will do our best in order to help you find a suitable club in your area. We have also teamed up with clubs in the Football League, Conference and Evo-Stik to give newly certified PFSA Football Scouts the opportunity to generate REAL opposition reports for REAL football clubs as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. The PFSA Scouting Network is available to PFSA Level 2 certified football scouts.
How often and where do you deliver the courses?
We deliver both our Talent Identification Course and Advanced Reporting once a month at Hotel Football, Manchester and The Globe Centre, Accrington. We also deliver both courses at various partner sites including the USA with the MLS and DC United, the UAE with the UAE FA and in the capital, London with Barnet FC.
Who has attended your courses to date?
Both experienced and in-experienced scouts, ex-professional footballers, agents, analyst, coaches, journalists, managers and the general public with no experience. Check out our testimonials for more information on past attendees.
Where else are you delivering the courses?
The PFSA are constantly delivering courses beyond the borders of Manchester. We have delivered courses with partners in the Scottish Premier League and down South in the Football League. We have signed a 5-year partnership with the UAE FA in helping develop talent identification in the region and many more individual countries including the USA. Please keep an eye on our scouting courses to see if we are coming to a club or country near you.
Can I attend the course if I live abroad?
Yes, people have traveled from America, Finland, Denmark, Greece, Lithuania, Ireland and many more countries from around the world.
