For full details of this course please click here
Some of the first coaches who have completed this course have given us their views as can be seen below:
Giuseppe DePalo,Seattle Sounders FC Academy,Head of Recruitment : " I would highly recommend the Talent ID course with Sportspath.There is outstanding information coming directly from some top professionals at the highest levels .There is also plenty of guidance along the way and some mentoring. My schedule is quite busy and changes rapidly so the format was very useful in the sense that I could come in and out as time permitted.After over 20 years in the game, I was still able to take some new nuggets with me that are very relevant in both recruitment and coaching.Thank You Robin and staff !"
Vic Bragg, Professional Development Coach , Brighton and Hove Albion FC, English Premier League
' I have now completed the Identifying Potential Talent Course which I really enjoyed and found informative and also a reminder to me of the importance of trying to do things in the right way with regard to: Identifying, Signing and Releasing young players.'
Peter Ramage, Assistant Coach, Phoenix Rising (USL Championship ) Phoenix, USA
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working through it. It has been filled with some incredible resources and given me a great insight of what some incredible footballing people go through in identifying talent. Some of the reading material, especially from different countries, has been great to read through and make notes and some has already been put in place to help develop talent over here in Phoenix. "
Mike Scott Youth Development Phase Lead Coach, Aston Villa FC Academy :
“The three biggest learning objectives I wanted to achieve were: 1. Spotting Talent more effectively. - This course has certainly helped me achieve this and more understanding around this area. 2. Analysis to observe and find talent. - This part of the course has helped me achieve this area. 3. Managing the talent during trial periods. - the modules that covered this will support me in my role to achieve more understanding and give more support around this area. The whole course I found to be excellent and very useful for my current role. The course was excellent CDP & development around this area and subject “
Dale Fitzsimons, Senior Academy Scout at Preston North End FC:
“ I've really enjoyed the course I've found it very beneficial with a lot of information put in stuff that I've never really paid to much attention to but now find myself more interested in.”
Steven Scott,On-Field Performance and Player Recruitment Analyst ,Canadian Premier League
“I thought it was really insightful and beneficial. What I found of the greatest value of the course was a holistic approach to scouting, talent ID, retention, and releasing of players - essentially understanding a player lifecycle”
Mile Jedinak, former Crystal Palace FC, Aston Villa FC and Australian International player and Coach Aston Villa FC Academy
“ The Greatest value in the course is the content and relevant case studies, experiences from professionals in all the key areas of this course. Getting an insight from the professionals has been great to hear and read about. I found the whole course valuable. It’s definitely made me more mindful of how to look at/for potentially talented players and how that journey may look going forward for them. (Understanding that it’ s not one size fits all and there are many ways to reach your goals to develop/identify potential talent. “
Alex Mendolia, Assistant Coach , Sky Blue FC, NWSL , USA
"The course was designed in a way that was progressive and informative, where I was able to begin with a system of identification that fits my environment best, while later connecting it to the driving forces that support player development from all aspects. This course has already helped in shaping the process of talent identification at the youth to college levels that I am currently involved in. Highly recommended!!!
Tika Musonda International Scout at Chelsea FC:
“ This has broadened my knowledge and allowed me to view player development in a more holistic way. b) Some of the learning resources were superb. The variety in examples all over Europe is something that I found valuable. It allows us to see how different cultures view player identification and player development. Having grown up in the RSC Anderlecht Academy and Chelsea FC Academy I have my own experiences in such settings so it was interesting to be able to compare and add to my experiences.”
Srđan Savić, Head of Scouting and Analytics at FK Radnik Surdulica, Serbia Top League :
" As for the course. It's a really good one. What I liked about it was that it covers the various aspects that are important when identifying talented players. Much different and very useful material was offered as well as video clips. I think that all the important topics have been mentioned and have been dealt with quite thoroughly. I think this course has certainly helped me further improve my knowledge of various aspects. Since I'm always looking for new things to learn that can help me in my line of work, this course was definitely helpful and I would recommend it to anyone working in football."
Mark Burke : International Scout for Middlesborough FC and former player with Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers & Fortuna Sittard
" Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the insights and the information on there, very, very interesting stuff, the interviews were great, to the point and right on the button "
Lewis Spencer, Academy Manager Leyton Orient FC, English Football League,England
"A wonderful course that’s finely balanced with written and video based observation tasks. I would urge any individual with a keen interest to develop their knowledge to undertake the course. It’s been really thought provoking and will help me reflect and evolve the way we complete our Talent Identification practice here at Leyton Orient. moving into a new era I will certainly use some of the new skills I have enhanced. Robin has built a team of wonderful experienced tutors whom I very much enjoyed listening to them share their ideas and wisdom"
Willie McNab,Head of Children’s Programme,Glasgow Celtic FC, Scotland:
“I really enjoyed this and it made me think about what I currently do in terms of Identifying potential talent and how to reflect on this too.Great course!
Andrew Hughes: First team coach at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and previously Under 23 Coach at Sheffield United FC:
“ This whole course has been a huge eye opener for me about the detail what goes into a player before he even gets to scholar age. This course has been top top class really has.”
Gabriele Cioffi, Assistant Manager, Udinese, Serie A, Italy:
“ The whole course inspired me giving me a different angle on the Talent ID “
Luke Smith, Lead Phase Coach 11/12 year olds , West Ham United Academy:
“ I valued being more aware of all the different areas that can impact on Talent ID - siblings, place of birth, travel time, data, relationships with scouts, relationships with family, RAE, player profiles. Being educated on these subjects can help me to make more informed decisions and be more aware of factors that can influence/impact on someone's journey”
Michael Burns Newcastle United FC Academy Coach & Scout :
“ I have found it of great value in developing my approach/view on Talent ID and have certainly enjoyed taking part in all the tasks presented.
Louise Winter, Talent Identification Officer, Durham Women FC, Championship ,England
"This was a very informative course and has greatly increased my knowledge on talent ID"
Keith Stiles, Academy Coach , Fulham FC Academy, England :
"I have worked in academies for many years and found the course interesting and informative. It has also challenged me to think differently and I liked the innovations clubs shared and the international experiences on how different cultures develop and recruit their players. I would recommend the course to those who work in recruitment and coaches who work with grassroots or elite players"
Hugh Strong, U17 Coach, Bohemian FC, League of Ireland: "Excellent course which I really enjoyed. The videos from experienced professionals were excellent as were the many links, books and articles available regarding all aspects of talent ID. The level of detail of each aspect of the course was excellent from how to identify talent all the way to releasing players and all the many many topics in between.This has been the second Sports Path course that I have done and Robin and his team are a pleasure to deal with"
Dan Bolas ,Coach, Aston Villa FC Academy, England:
“This course has been a great opportunity to reflect on some of the processes i do on a daily basis in my role, working closely with scouts and recruiters. It has challenged me to question my own bias towards aspects such as early specialisation and dealing with parents, whilst at the same time given me the chance to listen to true elite practitioners within the field.”
Drew Taylor, Director of Coaching Mosman F.C.,Sydney, Australia and Head Coach New South Wales U14 Boys Team
"The course was a great learning opportunity, challenging me to look at the talent identification and development structures we currently have in place and comparing them to best practice worldwide. The feedback from the tutor was first class and added another element to the course. I would highly recommend the course to anyone working with potentially talented players"
Jamie Bessant: Swansea City FC Academy, Wales
"Great course that I could work in at my own time using a simple online system with fantastic resources in the forms of videos, PDF’s, Books and links. Really good for self development as you had to do tasks, think about how you deal with situations and case studies really useful and valid information can’t wait to start to implement what I have learnt from the course"
Mick Priest:Assistant Coach IK Start, Norwegian Premier League, former first team Coach Fulham FC and Academy Coach Manchester United FC
“ I found this course to be very stimulating. At different stages it was thought provoking in different ways. At times it was the fresh thoughts of the video experts, and the interesting video footage, at other times it was reminding me that I was on the right track in my thinking in terms of being in line with the experts and my peers. I would recommend the course to anyone, even those with a vast knowledge and experience base should benefit from sitting down and thinking through their views."
Claus Bech Jørgensen: Academy Coach , Oxford United FC
“A highly enjoyable and, at times, eye-opening course. The extensive research papers, articles, presentations and videos available, along with interviews from experts in many aspects of youth development, give the learner a chance to delve deep into the subject and beyond. The online format allows flexible studying while the learner forum facilitates contact with other learners.”
Andy Watson: Technical manager for Al Habsi Academy ,Oman and former Assistant Manager Glasgow Rangers FC , Hibernian FC Birmingham City FC and Scotland National Team Assistant Manager:
“ I found PFCA E-learning course to be challenging, informative and stimulating.It showed an "old dog"(I've been called worse) you are never too experienced to learn new thoughts and ideas.The course was most beneficial to myself in that I could start a module find I had to leave it due to work commitments, then return to it at my convenience
Guy Branston, Academy Coach and Scout, Leicester City FC, formerly Head of Recruitment Chesterfield FC and Notts County
Vin Blaine : Technical Director , Grenada Football Association ,former Director of Football Jamaican Football Association and President of the Jamaican Football Coaches Association.
“The ease in which this course was presented; the content, and the personal attention given to detail by the facilitators made this one of, if not the best online course I have ever been involved with. This course is a must for young coaches, recruiters, and inexperienced Technical Directors”
Darko Filipovic, Under 13 Coach, Grüner Fotball IL, Oslo, Norway
“I've learned a lot of new and useful information about the Talent identification on this course. What especially helped me was the advice of experienced and affirmed trainers at the highest level. It is explained in detail what is needed to discover one talent, and also what is needed to discover the talent in each line of the team (defence, midfield, attack). There are also interesting forums where you can exchange experiences with other trainers working in different leagues and at different levels. Also, the social and demographic component in the sport is studied in detail, with many interesting and little known data. Some extraordinary exercises and tests are being used in the world's strongest leagues.”
Kieran Laverty, Staff Coach , NEFC , New England USA
'I would highly recommend the PCFA Identifying Potential Talent E-learning course for anyone involved in talent identification or player recruitment. The level and attention to detail as well as the resources & information available are exceptional and make this course enjoyable, informative and will change the way you approach talent identification in the future.'
Wayne Evans, UEFA “A” Licence , FA Academy Manager’s Licence , FAAdvanced Youth Award now coach at the Penn Fusion US Soccer Development Academy,Pennsylvania, USA and former Academy Manager, Shrewsbury Town FC, England
“I found the course very enjoyable due to the different modules where the questions and video's made you think how you deal with the specific challenges that are put in front of you. The video's were thought provoking due having Academy Managers giving their valuable insight in how they deal with the situations, which you cannot beat. I would recommend this course to any coach who is looking to improve their own knowledge on Identifying Potential Talent, the detail in each Module is second to none which can only improve you as a coach.”
Andy Hedge: Head Coach Tasman United FC, New Zealand Premier League
"The topic of Talent ID is fraught with uncertainty and by listening to scouts and coaches working at the top levels of the game I gained valuable knowledge and insight into how they scout, recruit and release their players."
Mike Vincnet : Coach Solar Soccer Club, Texas, USA:
"The Course was extremely informative, beneficial and enjoyable"
Mark Hunter : Coach and Scout West Ham Utd FC Academy :
"The Course was fantastic and I have learned a lot more from this than other courses"
Anis Jerbi,Technical Director, Paris Saint-Germain Academy, Florida, USA
“The course was certainly beneficial to me.I enjoyed it and there is more to learn from Talent Identification”
Maor Rozen : UEFA Pro Licence from the Spanish Football Federation ( RFEF) Technical Director & Instructor with experience on 4 Continents
"After many years looking for a refresher Course about Detection, Identification and Development of Talents, with a level that would allow me to update my knowledge of more than 25 years coaching from grassroots to Senior level and National Teams and giving instruction to Coaches in four continents, finally I found this PFCA Course that fulfilled all my expectations. The Course was useful to fill some "holes" in our football hard disk, strengthening our previous convictions and updating me about new approaches that will allow me to perform in a better way as a professional of football. Highly recommended."
Michael McArdle,UEFA Qualified Coach (A Licence & Elite Youth A Licence) former Directors of the Falkirk FC/ Forth Valley Football Academy ( Scotland )
“I thoroughly enjoyed this further education on Talent ID. Having a significant experience in Talent ID through working as a coach and Academy Director, this course provided a chance to reflect on my previous practices, gather my thoughts in a structured fashion for future and a great insight into other environments, their practices and knowledge from the key providers on the course.The platform through Pebblepad was excellent as it allowed flexible interaction across, laptop, Ipad and phone”
Laurie McGinley, Senior Development Head coach of Glasgow Girls FC,Scotland :
“I thought the course was educational, informative and made you think about the bigger picture. It also made you work outside your comfort zone as there was a lot of information that needed to be assessed.”
Spencer Fearn , Youth Foundation Coach, Sheffield Wednesday FC Academy and First Team Manager of Frickley Athletic FC ( Semi - Professional Tier 7 of English Football ) FA Affiliate Tutor
“ The real positives for me was seeing the videos from so many well thought of Coaches / Recruiters in the game, whose insight and thought processes were invaluable in aiding my learning. Also a good use of scientific studies to back up certain elements such as Relative Age Effect were good."
Adamos Efstahiou , UEFA B Licensed Coach, SFQ Academy, Qatar
““ The course was very interesting and very helpful. The way you choose to give us the information was very good. I enjoyed the videos (listening the personal experience from professionals at the top level) and also the links were very useful.Generally I feel that I gained a lot from this course and I strongly recommend it to other colleagues"
Trevor Atkinson, UEFA A LIcence, Development Team Manager Sunderland AFC Ladies
"Really enjoyed it from start to finish, glad I did it and put the effort in. It builds on the talent ID workshops I have done this year with Sports Coach UK & links into the England DNA and my role as a FA Tutor"
Brian Nyabvure: Sports coach , Ruzawi School, Zimbabwe:
“An amazing course and it was a pleasure doing it.I learned a lot of things and my wish one day is to see Africa reach its full potential in terms of utilising our potential talent to the best of our ability”
Tadeu Dias:Executive Director at www.iplayformance.com, USA
“ I enjoyed the holistic approach to identifying a player's potential. The insights from experienced professionals working in the field, bridges knowledge and best practices.
Looking forward to sharing with staff, and to utilise the information to continue to improve our player's performance environment”
