Lead PDP Academy Scout

Doncaster Rovers Academy are looking for a Lead PDP Academy Scout to assist with the recruitment of players specifically focusing at U16 – U18. The successful candidate will help identify players who show the potential of playing for Doncaster Rovers Academy in the PDP

Role Responsibilities:

• Identify and monitor players suitable to Doncaster Rovers in line with the clubs playing philosophy
• Add to the database of players from academies, private academies, schools and grassroots football with the potential to play for the Academy in the PDP
• Manage a team of scouts within the phase to support the identification of players linked to the academy’s player profiles and squad requirements
• Support with the tracking and monitoring of potential targets
• Support with the tracking and monitoring of players out work experience loans
• Update Kitman Labs with match reports and fixtures attended
• Keep a record of fixtures of PDP scouts attendance
• Attend scout meetings when required and provide detailed overview’s on potential targets
• Building an understanding of the players and teams in the PDP in the academy, to help build a clear understanding of identifying talent suitable
• Work as part of an MDT to help monitor trialists in the PDP to inform decision making
• Provide pre-trial briefs and post-trial summaries for MDT discussion
• Maintain confidentiality of all scouting information and player data in line with club and legal policies
• Support audits and reviews of the scouting system (internal or EPPP-related)
• Contribute to building a library of benchmark player footage or case studies that represent PDP/YDP & FP level
• Support with exit strategy planning for trialists or current players by offering alternative pathway suggestions
• Help mentor and develop junior/phase scouts to improve quality and consistency of player ID
• Stay up to date with industry best practice and participate in internal CPD and external Talent ID training
• Ensure all scouting is conducted in line with EPPP regulations, GDPR, and club safeguarding policies
• Represent the club professionally at matches, tournaments, and regional events
• Collaborate with analysts to integrate data insights into the player ID process where appropriate

Overview:

• A good knowledge of football across U16-U18 age groups from Cat 1 – 4 academies and grassroots 
• A network in non-league around the Yorkshire area to support and develop potential work experience loan opportunities for players
• Enthusiastic character to help identify future Doncaster Rovers players
• Self-motivated and committed
• Experience of working in an academy recruitment role in a professional football club
• Good knowledge of YD rules and scouting rules and regulations in academy football
• A strategic planner, organiser and co-ordinator.
• Confident with the ability to work individually and as part of a successful team and Academy.
• A people person with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer literate
• FA Talent ID Level 2 (Essential)
• FA Talent ID Level 3 (Desirable)
• FA Safeguarding Children qualification (essential)
• A valid driving licence 

Person specification:

Our non-negotiables:

1. Be punctual and prepared for all meetings.
2. Clear and respectful communication with your peers and customers.
3. Keeping to deadlines set by your line manager or senior management.

Our values:

• We are proud of our work and our working environment(s).
• We are passionate about everything we do.
• We are high performing in everything we do.
• We move forward as one as a group of staff and organisation.

Character specification:

• Embody high energy, enthusiasm and humility.
• Being customer focused in providing the best supporter or client experience possible.
• Perform all assigned tasks efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Flexibility in doing things differently to improve efficiency.
• Able to communicate effectively and confidentially individually and in group situations.
• Listen and respects other people’s views and opinions.
• Can develop open and effective relationships with all colleagues.
• Awareness of impact of own behaviours on others and is able to modify approach or style to achieve results.

Club Doncaster:

• Active participation in continuing professional development.
• Act at all times with utmost good faith to the club(s) and company.
• Devote full attention and ability to fulfilment of the duties required by the role.
• To work closely with fellow staff, maintain good relationships, and collaborative working practices.
• To work with colleagues throughout Club Doncaster to extend knowledge and skills in order to identify and develop best practice
• To undertake other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job.
• To maintain the quality of service provision, regularly evaluating work and seeking to make improvements.
• Present a professional image when dealing with both internal and external contacts and partners, acting in a professional manner at all times.
• To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job.

Important Information:

The above mentioned duties and responsibilities should be regarded as neither exclusive nor exhaustive as the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the grading of the post, without changing the general character of the post. Applicants must hold a full driving licence. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure up-to-date documentation is provided to Club Doncaster. 

About Club Doncaster:

Club Doncaster is the elite brand of sporting organisations working to support and strive forward our community. Our spoken aim is to be: an ambitious and successful club of which the community is proud of. We work with a culture that promotes unity, creativity and aspiration to promote success – this is why we are Club Doncaster. We look for people with passion, honesty and who embrace a challenge on a daily basis, with the energy and passion to strive forward and prove each day.

Safeguarding:

Club Doncaster takes its safeguarding responsibility very seriously. This means recruiting the correct people for Club Doncaster. We acknowledge our clear responsibility to safeguard children and vulnerable groups in our care, and have policies and guidelines to ensure this. The successful candidate will have to complete an Enhanced DBS check before starting employment with the club.

Equal opportunities:

Club Doncaster is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.