Academy Scout at Philadelphia Union
Job Description
WHO WE ARE
Awarded Major League Soccer’s 16th franchise in 2008, the Philadelphia Union officially took the pitch in 2010 and have been raising expectations ever since. Owned and operated by Union Sports & Entertainment, the Philadelphia Union call Subaru Park home—an 18,500-seat, world-class, soccer-specific stadium set along the Delaware River beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, recognizing the club’s excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned Eastern Conference Champions in 2022, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar.
Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club’s crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city’s revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Academy Scout will play a key role in the identification, evaluation, recruitment, and tracking of elite youth talent for the Philadelphia Union Academy. Working under the direction of the Academy Director and Head of Academy Scouting, this position will support the administration and execution of the Academy's scouting and recruitment strategy while helping oversee the club's scouting network, processes, residency program coordination, and talent identification initiatives.
As an integrated member of the Philadelphia Union's Professional Scouting Department, the Academy Scout will operate within the club's unified scouting structure and contribute to the professional pathway from Academy through Union II and the First Team. The role will focus on managing and overseeing the scouting and recruitment process across local, regional, and national domestic markets to identify high-potential players who fit the Philadelphia Union's player development model.
RESPONSIBILITES
Scouting Operations & Talent Identification
- Manage the day-to-day scouting and recruitment operations of the Philadelphia Union Academy.
- Ensure top talent within the Union's designated catchment area is identified, monitored, and evaluated.
- Coordinate scouting assignments and improve scouting workflows to maintain consistency and efficiency.
- Scout players through live match observation and video analysis across domestic and international competitions as assigned.
- Analyze players and matches for the Academy, Union II, and First Team based on criteria established by the Director of Scouting.
- Maintain strong player reference points and benchmarking standards for internal and external player comparisons.
- Lead ongoing updates and enhancements to the Academy Recruitment and Talent Identification framework.
Database & Reporting
- Maintain and continuously expand the Academy scouting database.
- Ensure scouting reports, player evaluations, and recruitment records are accurate, organized, and up to date.
- Utilize scouting databases, video analysis platforms, and reporting systems consistent with the club's professional scouting methodology.
Network & Relationship Management
- Manage communication and operational structure within the Union Academy Scouting Network.
- Develop and maintain relationships with youth clubs, coaches, agents, and key influencers throughout the domestic youth soccer landscape.
- Communicate regularly with scouting contacts to identify emerging talent, trends, and opportunities.
- Organize and facilitate scouting meetings, conference calls, and recruitment discussions.
Collaboration & Strategic Planning
- Attend weekly and monthly meetings with the Philadelphia Union Professional Scouting Department.
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Academy & Professional Development, Director of Scouting, Academy staff, Union II staff, and First Team personnel.
- Support and help evolve the Academy's scouting strategy and philosophy in response to changes within the youth soccer ecosystem.
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