[Hiring] Grassroots Scout @Brentford Football Club

Role Description

The primary responsibility of the Grassroots Scout is to identify and report on high-potential players within an assigned catchment area, forming the first stage of the club’s recruitment process. Acting as the club’s presence on the ground, they support early identification of talent through consistent coverage of local fixtures, festivals, and tournaments. The role requires strong local knowledge, proactive planning, and the ability to build and maintain key contacts to access emerging players aligned to Brentford FC’s recruitment criteria. Through the delivery of accurate and timely reports, Grassroots Scouts support the ongoing development of a consistent talent pathway into the Development Centre, Pre-Academy, and Academy, while operating in line with the club’s standards and recruitment framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate as an integral member of the scouting department, identifying grassroots players who meet Brentford FC’s recruitment criteria and potential.
• Take ownership of the assigned catchment area, developing expert knowledge of the local landscape and contributing to the identification and signing of players.
• Identify and report on the most talented unsigned players within the area through consistent and targeted coverage.
• Produce clear, concise, and timely scouting reports that meet club standards and support MDT decision-making.
• Proactively source information on fixtures, festivals, tournaments, and key local events.
• Support the coordination and allocation of fixtures to ensure effective and efficient scouting coverage.
• Build and maintain a strong network of contacts to maximize access to emerging talent.
• Maintain a clear understanding of player standards and deliver accurate, detailed, and timely reports in line with club systems.
• Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to enhance scouting knowledge and performance.
• Undertake additional recruitment duties as required by the Head of Academy Recruitment, Academy Recruitment Coordinator, and Academy Phase lead Scouts.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of the designated area, including grassroots leagues, schools, and clubs.
• Demonstrates a proven ability to identify players (U7–U16), assessing both current performance and long-term potential.
• Effectively plans fixture coverage, managing multiple games and tournaments.
• Confident in making evidence-based recommendations on players, clearly articulating rationale to recruitment and coaching staff.
• Highly motivated, reliable, and committed to working evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays.
• Demonstrates resilience and the ability to consistently deliver in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Maintains the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring all player information and club discussions remain confidential.
• Adheres to safeguarding, compliance, and data protection policies at all times.
• Holds a minimum of The Football Association Level 1 Talent ID qualification (or equivalent).

Specialist Skills

• Ability to identify high-potential players at grassroots level, assessing player attributes in line with the club’s recruitment criteria.
• Competence in distinguishing between current performance and long-term potential, with an understanding of growth, maturation, and development pathways.
• Ability to plan and prioritise fixture attendance (matches, festivals, tournaments) to maximise exposure to relevant talent within the assigned catchment area.
• Produces clear, concise, and objective reports, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with club standards and timelines.
• Builds and maintains relationships with grassroots coaches, clubs, schools, and key stakeholders to support access to emerging talent.
• Confident in using club platforms/databases to log reports, track players, and manage information efficiently.

People Skills

• Establish key working relationships with internal key stakeholders, including Academy Scouts, Academy Lead Scout, Academy Recruitment Coordinator, and Academy Head of Recruitment.

External Impact

• Act as a visible ambassador for the club at grassroots fixtures, festivals, and tournaments, promoting a professional and positive image at all times.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local coaches, clubs, schools, and organisers to enhance the club’s reputation and access to emerging talent.
• Contribute to the club’s credibility within the wider scouting and recruitment landscape through consistent, professional conduct and informed player identification.
• Will be the first point of contact for players and their families, shaping their initial experience and perception of the club and its pathway.
• Strengthen the club’s presence within the local talent market, ensuring visibility and competitiveness against other academies.
• Provide valuable insights on local talent trends, emerging players, and competitor activity, supporting wider recruitment strategy.
• Ensures all external interactions reflect safeguarding, integrity, and data protection standards, reinforcing trust with stakeholders.

General Club Accountabilities

• To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations, and other legal, ethical, and social requirements.
• To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image.
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To always maintain a flexible approach to work.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging. We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds — particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people. We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability — regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations, or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field. To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice. The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team. Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.