Professional Football Scouts Association
The Professional Football Scouts Association, also known as The PFSA, is a football body based in Great Harwood, Lancashire, England. The association is responsible for overseeing and regulating football scouts nationally and globally.
History
After several discussions held between Football League and Premier League scouts, it became evident that scouts were mainly on their own with no verified governing body looking after their interests. The vast majority of football scouts were underpaid and did it mainly for the love of the game. The PFSA was first formed in 2013 at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, England by two football scouts David Hobson and Purves Ali who both have many years of work experience at the highest level within the industry. The association was created in order to form a united voice for football scouts and to provide current and prospective football scouts an opportunity to hone their talents.
Objectives
The aim of The PFSA is to change the lack of formality and structure in football scouting, whilst developing and training a new and existing generation of football scouts who can work in consistent with procedures and regulations set out by the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
Scouting course
The scouting course operated by The PFSA, which is accredited by NCFE, provide the correct knowledge and skills for talent indicators and report filing. The Two-day courses are run by a range of academy coaches and football scouts from the likes of Manchester United FC, Bolton Wanderers FC, and Blackpool FC.
Recognition
The PFSA has received appraisal and recognition nationally, particularly from Ryan Giggs, David Dunn, and Shaun Goater. The association has also had attendees on their courses from several clubs within the Football League and the Premier League such as Manchester United FC, Manchester City FC, Blackpool FC, Stoke City FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Celtic FC, Oldham Athletic FC, Bury FC, and other football clubs within the UK.