The best football scouting resources
If you want to stay up to date and learn more about football scouting, there are many resources available. Whether you're new to scouting or a seasoned pro looking to improve your skills, you can find websites, blogs, books, podcasts, and videos to help you grow in this field. We've put together a useful list of top resources for football scouts.
The different football scouting resources
Websites & blogs
Podcasts & Videos
Books
Football scouting websites and blogs
Useful list of top sites for football scouts
- Total Football Analysis
Total Football Analysis (TFA) offers a wide range of content, including match analysis, player profiles, and recruitment insights. With a free version and a premium monthly magazine, TFA helps scouts stay informed on tactical trends, player developments, and detailed analysis of teams worldwide. - Scouted Notebook
Focused on youth football talent, Scouted Notebook consistently delivers high-quality reports and analysis on the next generation of football stars. Their annual SCOUTED50 list is valuable for identifying young talents poised for breakout seasons. A subscription is required for complete access, but it’s worth it for scouts serious about youth football. - Spielverlagerung
Spielverlagerung is one of the best tactical analysis blogs on the web. Created initially in German, it is now available in English. The site offers in-depth articles on football tactics, game analysis, and a glossary of critical tactical terms. It is an excellent tool for scouts and analysts looking to deepen their tactical knowledge. - Breaking the Lines
Known for its beautifully designed content and insightful football analysis, Breaking the Lines covers tactical breakdowns, player profiles, and various aspects of the beautiful game. Their detailed articles and match reports make this a valuable resource for scouts looking to refine their tactical awareness. - Scouted Football
Scouted Football is a premier platform for scouting young, emerging talents from around the globe. They provide comprehensive reports on players’ skill sets, backgrounds, and potential trajectories, offering insights beyond the obvious choices and highlighting hidden gems in world football. - The Coaches’ Voice
The Coaches’ Voice is a platform where top coaches share their strategies, thoughts, and experiences. Their scout reports are precious for those wanting to understand player development from a coach’s perspective. The platform’s unique insight into well-known players and clubs can benefit scouts seeking a broader understanding of how football professionals view the game. - Football Talent Scout
Jacek Kulig founded Football Talent Scout, which features an extensive database of young and emerging players. Focusing on lesser-known talents, Kulig’s engaging articles provide detailed insights into rising football stars worldwide. His social media community also helps connect scouts globally who share an interest in youth football. - Shogun Soccer
Shogun Soccer is the best English resource for those interested in the Japanese football scene. Covering the J.League and national team, this blog offers tactical analysis and scouting reports on the top Japanese talents. Written by data scientist Ryo Nakagawara, Shogun Soccer combines data visualizations with sharp analysis, making it an exciting resource for scouts. - Target Scouting
Target Scouting was founded during the 2020 lockdown and provides detailed match reports and player profiles. Known for its “Scouting for…” series, the site identifies players that clubs should target for specific needs. Its data-backed insights and video analysis make it a trusted player recruitment and scouting resource. - Liam Henshaw
A football scout and analyst at Heart of Midlothian FC, Liam Henshaw shares free tools, such as his Notion Scouting Template, to help aspiring scouts build their knowledge. His deep dive into Nottingham Forest’s recruitment strategy and the resources he offers make him a valuable source of practical scouting information. - Chris Gill
Alongside his blog, Chris Gill hosts an engaging podcast series, which can also be found on YouTube. In it, he interviews football scouts, analysts, and coaches. His podcast is packed with insights from professionals across various roles in the football industry, making it a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to break into or progress in football scouting.
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Podcasts & video resources
What to listen & watch?
- Athletic FC Podcast
For deeper insights into players’ and managers’ mindsets, check out the episodes featuring Steve Morison and Mark Molesley. These interviews give a unique look at the pressures and experiences within professional football, which can provide valuable context for scouts looking to understand player mentality and development. - Training Ground Guru Podcast (with Rene Maric)
Training Ground Guru offers a wealth of insights from top football professionals, including coaches and scouts. In particular, their two-part series with Rene Maric dives deep into scouting and coaching philosophy, offering practical takeaways for anyone in the industry. - Chris Gill Podcast Series (on YouTube)
As mentioned, Chris Gill’s podcast series is another valuable resource. His discussions cover various topics, from scouting and coaching to the realities of working in football analysis. For aspiring scouts, this podcast provides actionable insights and tips to break into the field.
The best books for football scouts
Analyzing video clips & matches
- Anatomy of a Football Scout
This book gives readers an inside look into the life of a football scout, providing insights on how to evaluate players and make informed recruitment decisions. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to dive deep into professional scouting. - Soccer: Modern Tactics by Alessandro Zauli
A straightforward and practical guide to football tactics, this book is a solid resource for scouts who want to strengthen their understanding of the tactical side of the game.
Stay up-to-date
Explore these resources to stay updated with the latest trends, tactics, and emerging talents in football. This will give you an edge in your scouting journey. The list includes blogs with in-depth analysis and podcasts that share insights from experienced professionals. Stay connected, stay informed, and keep honing your scouting skills.
What to read next?
Football Scouting Guide
Chapter overview
Becoming a great football scout is a journey that requires dedication, passion, and continuous learning. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your scouting to the next level, this guide provides you with the essential steps to become not just a scout but a great one.
You can start from the beginning to the end or jump right to the most interesting part.
- Introduction to football scouting
This chapter provides an introduction to football scouting, outlining the key traits and skills necessary to excel in this field and guiding you through the steps to kickstart your career. - The three types of football scouting (data, video, live)
Football scouting involves three key methods: data, video, and live scouting. Each method provides unique insights, and scouts often combine all three to create a comprehensive player assessment. - Football scouting resources (the best blogs, websites, books, podcasts, videos)
A wide range of resources is available for aspiring football scouts, from insightful blogs and podcasts to books and videos that offer expert knowledge on scouting techniques and industry trends. - Football scouting software, tools, and technology
Modern football scouting relies heavily on software and data tools that provide detailed player statistics and video analysis, helping scouts evaluate players more efficiently and accurately. - How do you write great football scouting reports? (tips, templates & examples)
Writing an effective scouting report requires precision, structure, and clarity. Using specific frameworks and templates ensures consistency while focusing on the player’s key performance aspects. - Where and how to find football scouting jobs, vacancies, and internships
Football scouting jobs can be found through various platforms, including club websites, specialized job boards, and networking tools. Internships and freelance opportunities are also on the rise. - Writing a Football Scout CV & Cover Letter: 10 tips
Crafting a standout football scout CV and cover letter requires highlighting relevant experience, technical skills, and a deep understanding of the club or organization to which you are applying.
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