Breaking into professional football scouting can be very hard. Sometimes, hundreds of people apply for a few jobs in professional football. To become a scout, you need dedication, persistence, and the ability to stand out. Roy Vlooswijk, a young scout at FC Groningen and former scout of 360 Scouting, shares his inspiring journey. He went from researching scouting efficiency to getting a job at a well-established professional club in Dutch football.
It all started with academic research
Roy’s entry into the world of football scouting began with an academic pursuit. While researching ways to make scouting more efficient, he interviewed various football professionals, from technical directors to scouts. This research not only provided valuable insights into the industry but also led to a pivotal connection with 360 Scouting, a video scouting service provider.
“During my research, I met Marco, the founder of 360 Scouting,” Roy explains. “Their approach to supporting clubs through video scouting aligned perfectly with the conclusions from my research.” This alignment, combined with his desire to gain practical scouting experience, prompted Roy to apply for a position at 360 Scouting.
Building experience through video analysis
At 360 Scouting, Roy gained invaluable experience working with various professional clubs, from Champions League participants to Eerste Divisie teams, both domestically and internationally. This diverse exposure provided him with insight into different club methodologies and capabilities. “I participated in scouting meetings and wrote weekly reports,” Roy recalls, “skills that I continue to use today at FC Groningen. Also, the personal feedback from Marco significantly helped me enhance my scouting and reporting skills.”
The daily life of a professional scout
Now at FC Groningen, Roy’s role combines both video and live scouting. His weekdays are dedicated to analyzing footage and writing reports on players who catch his eye through video scouting. On weekends, he often finds himself at matches, observing players in person. “It’s a good mix,” he notes, “though being at the pitch remains the most enjoyable part of the job.”
Keys to success in scouting
Roy emphasizes several crucial elements for success in professional scouting:
- Developing a distinct perspective while remaining open to learning from experienced professionals
- Maintaining deep engagement with the club to understand their specific player requirements
- Staying current with industry trends through social media and professional tools like Wyscout
- Writing detailed player reports and building a strong network
“The football industry is notoriously difficult to enter,” Roy acknowledges. “What sets you apart is your active engagement with the sport and your ability to contribute unique insights.”
Advice for aspiring scouts
For those dreaming of following in his footsteps, Roy offers practical advice: “Start by writing player reports. Analyze players you find interesting, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the industry. Networking is crucial – make yourself visible and engage in conversations with industry professionals.”
Looking ahead
Roy’s passion for scouting is evident in his future aspirations. “In five or ten years, I hope to have achieved significant milestones with FC Groningen,” he shares. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do, and I thoroughly enjoy the work. As long as I remain active in football, I’m happy.”
His journey from researcher to professional scout at FC Groningen demonstrates that breaking into professional football scouting is achievable with dedication, continuous learning, and a proactive approach. For those harboring similar dreams, Roy’s path offers both inspiration and practical insights into making that dream a reality.
Want to follow in Roy’s footsteps? Apply now to join our elite team of video scouts. Like Roy, your scouting abilities are all that matter – no CV or prior football experience is required.
