Training Structure
Joint Continuing Education Department
Overview
Supervised by recognized professionals in the field of recruitment (scouts, recruitment managers, and sporting directors), this university degree program was designed to meet the growing demands of both professional and semiprofessional soccer clubs, as well as player agencies.
Offered in a hybrid format over 200 hours, the training program includes three in-person seminars and is designed for those who wish to become soccer player recruiters. It prepares participants to join recruitment teams within various organizations: first teams, post-academy programs, or youth academies of clubs in Ligue 1 (L1), Ligue 2 (L2), National 1, or National 2.
Through direct contact with professionals currently working at professional clubs, this program offers hands-on experience through a mandatory internship in a scouting department, ensuring that the training is aligned with real-world conditions.
The Benefits of the Training Program
To apply, please fill out the following form
A team of educational experts:
- Thomas Maurin: Scouting Manager at the HORIZON player agency
- Romain Decool: Sports Coordinator and Head of Recruitment, US Dunkerque
- Sébastien Larcier: Sporting Director, formerly with Dijon, Angers, and Nîmes
- Tarik El Adi: Scout, Clermont Foot 63
- Rachid Boulbab: Educational Engineer
- English Teacher
Objectives
- Understanding of the game and its environment
- Develop a methodology and tools to observe, analyze, and identify players based on the team's needs.
- Write and submit match or player reports in French and English
- Understand the regulations and legal framework (transfers, various contracts, LFP Charter)
- Use of Digital Tools and Data
- Developing interpersonal skills: Building and maintaining a network (in France and abroad) and adopting an appropriate attitude within the team
Program
A training session is scheduled for this year:
- October 20 through June 30, 2027
The University Diploma consists of 7 Course Units (UE):
- UE1 - Tools and Methodology for Observing Players
- UE2 - Understanding Soccer: Gameplay, Formations, and Tactics
- UE3 - Legal Framework
- UE4 - Proficiency in Digital Tools and Data
- UE5 - Expanding Globally
- UE6 - Recruiter's Supporting Skills
- UE7 - Internship
Admission
Registration Procedures
Since the number of openings is limited, please submit your resume and cover letter by August 31, 2026.
A promise of an internship with a club’s scouting department or a player agency will be an asset when applying to the program.
Target Audience
- Applicants with a university degree in sports.
- Elite athletes participating in a career transition program.
- Candidate with experience in recruitment and training.
- Employees of professional sports clubs who wish to pursue training.
- Soccer coaches and technical advisors.
- Player agents or agency staff.
- Sports directors or sports managers at amateur clubs.
Mandatory Prerequisites
Prerequisites: Applicants must have a good knowledge of soccer as well as a basic understanding of Windows and Mac OS systems (installation, file management, and windows). They must also know how to access digital work environments or online learning platforms.