Head of Academy Recruitment and Analysis

The role is central to delivering York City's long-term objective of developing and recruiting talented young players capable of progressing through the club's pathway and contributing to sustained first-team success. The role will oversee the identification, assessment and acquisition of high-potential young players who align with the club's football philosophy and long-term strategic objectives, while also leading the use of youth team video, data and performance analysis to support player development, recruitment decisions and academy succession planning.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in football recruitment and talent identification.
• Strong understanding of academy football and player development pathways.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and manage scouting personnel.
• Strong knowledge of modern recruitment practices, including live scouting, video and data analysis
• Ability to interpret youth team video and performance data to support player development, feedback and recruitment decisions.
• Experience within an EFL or professional academy environment.
• Existing recruitment network within youth football.
• Experience implementing recruitment systems and processes.
• Understanding of player trading and long-term squad planning.

Q ualifications and Certifications

• FA Talent ID Level 2, or equivalent experience/qualification in football recruitment and talent identification.
• Enhanced DBS clearance, or willingness to complete prior to appointment.
• FA Emergency First Aid in Football, or equivalent first aid qualification.
• Evidence of continued professional development relevant to academy recruitment, talent identification, safeguarding or player development.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport.
• FA Talent ID Level 3 or above.
• UEFA C Licence, FA Level 2 Coaching qualification, or equivalent.
• Experience using recruitment platforms, video analysis tools or player databases.
• Training in data-led recruitment, performance analysis or player profiling.
• Experience using video analysis workflows to support youth team performance reviews, individual development plans and talent identification.
• Knowledge of EFL Youth Development rules, FA regulations and academy registration processes.

All club policies can be found here: