Player scouting is becoming one of the fastest-growing opportunities in Ghana’s football ecosystem. As more young talents emerge from community leagues, colts football, Division Two, Division Three, and school competitions, the demand for good scouts continues to increase.
If you love football and understand the game well, scouting players can become a profitable career or side business. This guide explains how to scout players during local league matches and how to make money as a scout, even if you are just starting.
1. Understand What a Football Scout Really Does
A football scout’s job is more than simply spotting good players. You must evaluate their abilities, collect data, follow their progress, and recommend them to clubs or agents.
Key responsibilities include:
Watching matches and identifying talented players
Assessing player attributes (technical, tactical, physical, mental)
Documenting player performance
Networking with coaches, agents, and clubs
Helping players get trials or move to academies
Negotiating commissions or referral fees
Scouting is a skill that grows with experience. The more matches you watch, the better your eye becomes.
2. Start with Local Leagues and Community Tournaments
In Ghana, some of the biggest talents come from:
Community park leagues
District and zonal tournaments
Colts (U13, U15, U17) competitions
SHS inter-school games
Division Two and Division Three matches
Off-season gala tournaments
These games are where hidden gems can be found. Many clubs in Europe and top Ghanaian teams like Dreams FC, Samartex, Medeama, and Legon Cities all scout from these levels.
3. Learn What to Look For in a Player
A scout must know how to assess players correctly. Do not rely only on goals or flashy skills.
Technical attributes to check:
Ball control
Passing accuracy
First touch
Shooting ability
Dribbling under pressure
Physical attributes:
Speed and acceleration
Strength
Stamina
Agility
Height (depending on position)
Tactical understanding:
Positioning
Decision-making
Ability to read the game
Movement off the ball
Awareness
Psychological attributes:
Discipline
Confidence
Work rate
Team mentality
Attitude during difficult moments
Clubs want complete players, not just talented ones.
4. Take Notes During Matches
A serious scout must record what they see. You can use:
A notebook
A phone notepad
A laptop
A scouting template
Important details to record:
Player name and jersey number
Team name
Position
Age (if possible)
Key strengths
Weaknesses
Special moments (goals, tackles, movement)
Overall rating
These notes help you follow up later.
5. Talk to Coaches and Team Managers
Coaches know their players well, so building relationships with them helps you get:
Player backgrounds
Training behaviour
Injury history
Player age confirmation
Opportunities to watch private training
Access to players you are interested in
Most coaches love scouts because it gives their players opportunities.
6. Follow Up on Talented Players
When you identify a promising player, you must follow them for several matches. Watching one good performance is not enough.
Monitor the player for:
Consistency
Improvement over time
Performance in big matches
Discipline on and off the pitch
Response to pressure
The best scouts always track players long-term.
7. Record Short Video Clips
In today’s world, video footage is key for scouting. You don’t need expensive equipment.
You can use:
A phone camera
A small tripod
A simple stabilizer
Clubs and agents often ask for highlights before inviting a player for trials. Good video evidence increases your value as a scout.
8. Build a Database of Players
If you want to make money as a scout, you must keep a database.
Use tools like:
Google Sheets
Excel
Mobile apps
Notebooks
Store information about:
Player names
Positions
Ages
Team details
Strengths
Contact information
Video links
Agents and clubs will pay more if you have a well-organized list of players.
9. Learn to Network with Agents and Clubs
Scouting is all about connections. The more people you know, the more opportunities you have.
Build relationships with:
Ghanaian football agents
Local club owners
Division One and Premier League coaches
Academy directors
Foreign scouts
Football administrators
Attend football events, seminars, and matches where professionals gather.
Networking makes scouting profitable.
10. How to Make Money as a Scout in Ghana
There are several ways to earn income if you scout players seriously.
A. Earn Commission from Player Transfers
This is the most common source of income.
How it works:
You discover a talented player
You introduce them to an agent or club
The player signs a contract
You receive a percentage (usually 5–10%)
Some agents even pay scouts a fixed fee once the player signs.
B. Sell Player Reports or Databases
Clubs and agents pay for well-documented scouting reports. If your reports are detailed and accurate, you can charge per player or per list.
C. Work as an Official Club Scout
Many Ghanaian clubs hire scouts part-time.
You can approach:
Division Two teams
Division One League clubs
Premier League clubs
Football academies
They pay scouts monthly or per assignment.
D. Charge for Player Promotion Services
Some players pay scouts to help them get visibility.
You can offer:
Highlight videos
Player profile creation
Matching them with trials
Promoting them to agents
This is a growing business in Ghana’s football scene.
E. Earn Money By Linking Players to Trials Abroad
International academies and lower-division clubs need talent from Africa.
If you have connections, you can:
Recommend players
Arrange trial opportunities
Receive referral fees
This is one of the most profitable methods.
11. Build a Strong Reputation
Your income depends on your credibility.
To build a good reputation:
Be honest
Don’t inflate player abilities
Always confirm player age
Don’t request money from players in unethical ways
Deliver real value to clubs
Be reliable and consistent
Good scouts get more referrals and more opportunities.
12. Stay Consistent and Improve Your Scouting Skills
Scouting is a long-term job. You must stay committed.
How to improve:
Watch top-level football to learn patterns
Attend coaching courses
Study scouting books
Learn basic sports science
Follow top scouting platforms online
The better your knowledge, the more money you can make.
Conclusion
Scouting players during local league matches in Ghana can be both exciting and profitable. With the right approach—consistent match attendance, accurate evaluation, strong networking, detailed reports, and professionalism—you can build a successful career as a football scout.
Whether you want to earn commissions from player transfers, sell scouting reports, work with clubs, or help players get trials, the opportunities are real and growing.
