Exeter City Football Club is seeking dedicated Volunteer Academy Scouts to support the identification and assessment of emerging young talent across a range of regions. Specific scouting areas will be discussed during the interview process.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are committed to youth football and take great satisfaction in helping young players fulfil their potential. Working as part of our recruitment network, scouts will play an important role in supporting the club's player development pathway and future success.
As this is a voluntary position, applicants must be willing to undertake the role on an unpaid basis.
Role Summary
Reporting To and Key Liaison with
- Academy Leadership Team (ALT)
- Academy Management Team (AMT)
- Head of Academy Recruitment
Other Key relationships
- Advanced Development Centre (ADC) Managers
- JPL and Grassroots clubs
- Players, parents & carers
- Loan Club/clubs (where appropriate)
Purpose & Role function
- Play a major part in the identification and recruitment of young players into the ECFC Academy player progression pathway.
- Communicate and collate relevant information for Head of Academy Recruitment.
- Uphold and demonstrate the values, standards and behaviours expected by ECFC both inside & outside the Club.
- Build relationships with local clubs to enhance our scouting network.
- Attend matches to scout specific target groups for the Academy.
- Maintain records (for ISO/EPPP purposes).
Working Practices
- At all times conduct yourself as an ambassador of Exeter City Football Club in a positive and professional manner.
- Adhere to Club, EPPP, EFL & Premier League scouting & recruitment policies at all times.
- Display excellent communication skills, orally and written.
- To be responsible for the identification of the best young players each season in a specified geographical region.
- To be responsible for the identification of the best young players each season in specified target positions or age groups.
- To attend games weekly on behalf of Exeter City Football Club, as agreed with the Head of Academy Recruitment.
- Develop excellent working relationships with local clubs within a specified region.
- Develop a detailed understanding of the Exeter City Football Club Academy recruitment strategy at local and national level, for all ages.
- Provide the Head of Academy Recruitment with accurate and timely match/player reports for every game attended on behalf of Exeter City Football Club.
- Maintain regular and concise communication with the Head of Academy Recruitment.
- Be prepared to conduct any other duties to enhance the recruitment process, as designated by the Head of Academy Recruitment.
- Link with other staff involved in the recruitment of players and ensure they meet all necessary standards and requirements.
- Identify players who are gifted in relation to our Club’s player competencies.
Organisation
- Develop a detailed understanding of the Exeter City Football Club Academy recruitment strategy at local and national level, for all ages.
Compliance
- Ensure all relevant EFL/EPPP Rules are always met.
- Maintain all personal professional qualifications through continuous professional development
- As a minimum, always meet all Category 3 requirements, but aim to achieve Category 2 requirements in every aspect of work as often as possible.
Relationships
- Initiate regular dialogue with local club staff across a designated region.
- Build a positive rapport with potential trialist players and their families that promotes Exeter City FC as a desirable Club to join.
- Communicate with other Club staff, players & parent/carers in a professional & timely fashion.
Associated Activities & Commitment
- Attend multi-disciplinary in house CPD events.
- Any other reasonable & relevant requests as made from time-to-time.
Health & Safety
- Place player safety and welfare as a top priority at all times.
Qualifications & Person Specification required
Essential:
- FA Talent ID Level 1
- Current (in date) FA Safeguarding children certificate
- Current full driving licence
Desirable:
- FA Talent ID Level 2
- FA Coaching Qualifications
Professional Outlook & Behaviours
- Ensure all necessary player identification records are included in appropriate paperwork.
- Fulfil all Football League (EFL) and Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Rules.
- Ensure that relevant ECFC Scout ID Card is carried at every game/festival/tournament attended.
- Be able to demonstrate and articulate the Club & Academy philosophy in all areas of Section 5 of the Grecian Plan to ISO and other external Bodies & Agencies.
- Ensure all necessary quality standards & requirements are met within the Department.
- Operate at all times and in all matters in a well-organised, positive and professional manner.
- Set an example for the players in how to conduct themselves professionally.
- Adopt a positive and enthusiastic outlook towards recruitment, sports psychology and match analysis that will encourage players to do the same.
- Be willing to actively assist other Academy staff in areas that will enable their progression.
- Be willing to support & work with external expertise.
- Commit to an on-going process of continuous personal & professional improvement.
Personal Qualities
- Demonstrate an industrious and productive work ethic.
- Posses and demonstrate a positive mental attitude.
- Effectively & efficiently communicate at all levels.
- Adopt a flexible & adaptable approach.
- Be willing to take responsibility and follow tasks to a successful completion.
- Work on own initiative, take control where needs, guide & support others.
- Be persistent, patient and an innovative problem solver.
- Show a willingness to take instruction & follow guidance.
- Show committed enthusiasm for the multi-disciplinary approach at all levels and all ages.
How to Apply
Only completed applications that are submitted here will be accepted. Any applications after the closing date will not be accepted. Click HERE to apply.
- The closing date is: October 30, 2026
- Interview date: TBC
Please note that the closing date is set as 31st October 2026, however, subject to the number of applicants, we may close the vacancy sooner. If you are interested in applying, please don't delay!
If you have any questions regarding the application process please email hr@ecfc.co.uk.
The successful candidate will be required to go through our full onboarding process including a DBS Check, references and must be able to prove their eligibility to work within the UK. Full details of the process will be shared with the successful candidate.
ECFC is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and employees to share this commitment.