SCOUTING & SQUAD PLANNING (UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATE)

  • Flexible alongside sport & job

  • Top lecturers from the Bundesliga & European soccer

  • Prestigious certificate in German-speaking soccer

Hol dir
die Punkte!

Hol dir
die Punkte!

SCOUTING & SQUAD PLANNING
(UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATE)

  • Flexible alongside sport & job

  • Top lecturers from the Bundesliga & European soccer

  • Prestigious certificate in German-speaking soccer

++ LIMITED TO 30 PLACES – REGISTER NOW! ++

++ LIMITED TO 30 PLACES – REGISTER NOW! ++

EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED CERTIFICATION “FOOTBALL SCOUT & SQUAD PLANNER

Do you want to become the most important contact person for your club, association, board or coach when it comes to soccer transfers? Do you want to prove your nose for talent? Then take the opportunity to become a trained and recognized person with expertise in scouting and squad planning.

Scouting is the magic word behind systematic work when it comes to evaluating and categorizing players.

Thanks to the unique semi-virtual study concept (e-learning and attendance phases), you can complete the modern training and further education to become a scout & squad planner while working. However, the offer is limited to a small group of participants.

Therefore, it is best to register immediately for the next certificate course!

TOP LECTURERS FROM THE SCOUTING INDUSTRY

OUR PARTICIPANTS RATE US

Grade 1,50 Ø

Quality of the lecturers

Grade 2,00 Ø

Individual support

Grade 2,25 Ø

Learning Platform/Virtual Phase

Grade 1,46 Ø

Overall impression of the face-to-face event

OUR PARTICIPANTS RATE US

Grade 1,50 Ø

Quality of the lecturers

Grade 2,00 Ø

Individual support

Grade 2,25 Ø

Learning Platform/Virtual Phase

Grade 1,46 Ø

Overall impression of the face-to-face event

OUR ADVANTAGES AT IFI

Even in professional soccer, soft skills, i.e. personal experience or gut feeling, often predominate in the selection of players. However, well-founded arguments are the most reliable decision-making criteria for every coach and every person responsible in a soccer club or soccer association.

For this reason, in addition to the technical basics of game analysis, detailed requirement profiles and the development of an individual scouting structure are the focus of our training and further education, with which you will stand out from the competition as a scout & squad planner.

  • EXCLUSIVITY
    Achieve expert status in specialized areas of soccer & set yourself apart from the competition.

  • NETWORK
    Benefit from our relationships with decision-makers in top-level soccer & build your personal network

  • PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
    Learn from national and international top people with expertise from the national leagues and federations

  • FLEXIBILITY
    Use modern e-learning & educate yourself comfortably besides sports & job

  • PRACTICE NEARBY
    Gain insights into the daily challenges of people with expertise & use these insights for your daily work life

  • PRESTIGE
    Secure a state-recognized certificate that enjoys a high reputation in German-speaking soccer.

SHORT PROFILE OF THE “SCOUTING & SQUAD PLANNING” CERTIFICATE

  • ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
    (Fach-)Hochschulreife or vocational training and min. three years of professional experience

  • RANGE OF SERVICES
    30 ECTS credits (creditable)

  • LEARNING CONCEPT
    Blended Learning (Online+Presence)

  • TEACHING FEE
    3.465 €(including 199 € registration fee)
    466,57€ per month
  • TARGET GROUP
    Coaches, co-coaches, scouts, club managers, squad planners

  • CONTACT
    For the course in Cologne: Andreas Giglberger
    For the course in Vienna: Stefan Kramer

  • STUDY LOCATIONS
    Cologne and Vienna

  • DEADLINES FOR REGISTRATION
    until 01 May 2023 (for the course in Cologne)
    until 01 October 2023 (for the course in Vienna)

  • START DATES
    01. May 2023 (for the course in Cologne)
    01 October 2023 (for the course in Vienna)

  • COURSE DURATION
    7 months

  • SCHEDULE DATES
    You can find the module dates in the module descriptions.

  • MODEL OF STUDY
    Part-time

SHORT PROFILE OF THE “SCOUTING & SQUAD PLANNING” CERTIFICATE

  • ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
    (Fach-)Hochschulreife or vocational training and min. three years of professional experience

  • RANGE OF SERVICES
    30 ECTS credits (creditable)

  • LEARNING CONCEPT
    Blended Learning (Online+Presence)

  • TEACHING FEE
    3.465 €(including 199 € registration fee)
    466,57€ per month

  • TARGET GROUP
    Trainers, co-trainers, scouts, club managers

  • CONTACT
    For the course in Cologne: Andreas Giglberger
    For the course in Vienna: Stefan Kramer

  • STUDY LOCATIONS
    Cologne and Stuttgart

  • DEADLINES FOR REGISTRATION
    until 01 May 2023 (for the course in Cologne)
    until September 17, 2023 (for the course in Vienna)

  • START DATES
    01. May 2023 (for the course in Cologne)
    01 October 2023 (for the course in Vienna)

  • COURSE DURATION
    7 months

  • SCHEDULE DATES
    You can find the module dates in the module descriptions.

  • MODEL OF STUDY
    Part-time

TARGET GROUP OF THE SCOUTING TRAINING

The certificate program is a Germany-wide training and further education program and is aimed at employees who are already working as match analysts, scouts or squad planners or who would like to work in this area in the future. Professional coaches, amateur coaches, assistant coaches, club managers, athletic directors, employees of youth development centers, and player advisors can also benefit greatly from the content taught, because it expands their own competencies in an important area of decision-making.

Active soccer players and students with a keen interest in soccer who are considering a career as a talent scout will also benefit from the experience.

Finding a great talent is a task in soccer that is becoming more and more important as the market becomes more professional and transfer fees increase.

Requirements for participation in the certificate course are a qualified high school diploma, a high level of interest in soccer and rehabilitation, experience in soccer, and completed vocational training in a recognized profession that is conducive to the course, as well as at least three years of professional experience that is conducive to the course. Also important are the ability to concentrate, interest in statistics, interest in working with people, persuasiveness, analytical thinking, and organizational skills.

EXPERIENCE REPORTS & GRADUATES’ VOICES

“For me it was important that the theoretical course content was taught in a practical way. Some of the content and topics are of course also valuable for the daily work in scouting at SK Sturm. But an important part of advanced training is also to expand one’s network.”

“The importance of the scouting process, and with it the selection and use of tools and knowledge, is becoming increasingly important for clubs these days. The University Certificate Scouting in Football helps not only by accumulating knowledge and skills, but also by building a national network. It thus offers an ideal platform for scouts who are already active, as well as for career starters, and enables them to exchange ideas with experts.”

“The university certificate Scouting in Professional Football provides both the theoretical basic knowledge and the reference to practice. By looking at the subject from different angles, I was able to gather important insights for my daily work. The intensive exchange of experience and ideas with speakers and participants in the course made for a decidedly positive learning atmosphere.”

“The University Certificate Scouting in Football provides the link between theory and practice.
The excellent speakers, who always talked to us instead of just to us, created a lively exchange from which everyone benefited.
After completing the university certificate in game analyst in professional soccer, the certificate program with a focus on scouting was the ideal complement for me to further my professional education in my field and to make important contacts.”

“A well-structured scouting department that is managed according to plan can be a decisive guarantee of success in the sport of soccer. The university certificate has sharpened my view of this elementary area of professional soccer enormously.
The exchange of experiences with a wide variety of speakers and course participants helped me to create future-oriented ideas, which in turn should provide a suitable path for promising scouting for us.”

“In my day-to-day work as a scout for SV Werder Bremen, it’s all about evaluating and categorizing players in as much detail as possible. The expertise imparted helps me to achieve results faster and more precisely. For me, the university certificate in scouting in soccer closes the gap between sports studies and traditional coaching education.”

“The university certificate Scouting in Football is an optimal opportunity to substantiate the practical work of a scout with theoretical knowledge. A special added value is created by the high practical relevance, which enables the direct transfer of the imparted technical knowledge into everyday work. Top experts from the various specialist areas surrounding the topic of scouting acted as speakers, who were able to provide interesting insights and impart helpful specialist knowledge thanks to both their competence and their openness.”

“In my work as a soccer scout, I have long looked for ways to improve my professionalism. During the Corona pandemic, I came across IFI Online Modules. I was initially impressed by the professional level and therefore decided to take the university certificate Scouting. It all started in October in Frankfurt. The entire process before, during and after was professionally managed by IFI. The lecturers we met had a high professional level and managed to combine theory and practice. In addition, a good atmosphere quickly developed between the other students, in which I experienced an exchange of ideas at a high level. All in all, I’m sure I’m stronger academically and football-wise than I was before. It will definitely have an impact on my everyday life as a scout at FC Copenhagen”

EXPERIENCE REPORTS & GRADUATES’ VOICES

“For me it was important that the theoretical course content was taught in a practical way. Some of the content and topics are of course also valuable for the daily work in scouting at SK Sturm. But an important part of advanced training is also to expand one’s network.”

“The importance of the scouting process, and with it the selection and use of tools and knowledge, is becoming increasingly important for clubs these days. The University Certificate Scouting in Football helps not only by accumulating knowledge and skills, but also by building a national network. It thus offers an ideal platform for scouts who are already active, as well as for career starters, and enables them to exchange ideas with experts.”

“The university certificate Scouting in Professional Football provides both the theoretical basic knowledge and the reference to practice. By looking at the subject from different angles, I was able to gather important insights for my daily work. The intensive exchange of experience and ideas with speakers and participants in the course made for a decidedly positive learning atmosphere.”

“The University Certificate Scouting in Football provides the link between theory and practice.
The excellent speakers, who always talked to us instead of just to us, created a lively exchange from which everyone benefited.
After completing the university certificate in game analyst in professional soccer, the certificate program with a focus on scouting was the ideal complement for me to further my professional education in my field and to make important contacts.”

“A well-structured scouting department that is managed according to plan can be a decisive guarantee of success in the sport of soccer. The university certificate has sharpened my view of this elementary area of professional soccer enormously.
The exchange of experiences with a wide variety of speakers and course participants helped me to create future-oriented ideas, which in turn should provide a suitable path for promising scouting for us.”

“In my daily work as a scout for SV Werder Bremen, I evaluate and categorize players in as much detail as possible. The specialist knowledge imparted helps me to achieve results faster and more precisely. For me, the university certificate Scouting in Football closes the gap between sports studies and the classic trainer education.”

“The university certificate Scouting in Football is an ideal opportunity to substantiate the practical work of a scout with theoretical knowledge. A special added value is created by the high practical relevance, which enables the direct transfer of the imparted knowledge into the daily work. The speakers were top experts from the various specialist areas relating to scouting, who were able to provide interesting insights and impart helpful specialist knowledge both through their competence and their openness.”

“In my work as a soccer scout, I have long looked for ways to improve my professionalism. During the Corona pandemic, I came across IFI Online Modules. I was initially impressed by the professional level and therefore decided to take the university certificate Scouting. It all started in October in Frankfurt. The entire process before, during and after was professionally managed by IFI. The lecturers we met had a high professional level and managed to combine theory and practice. In addition, a good atmosphere quickly developed between the other students, in which I experienced an exchange of ideas at a high level. All in all, I’m sure I’m stronger academically and football-wise than I was before. It will definitely have an impact on my everyday life as a scout at FC Copenhagen”

YOUR LEARNING CONTENTS IN THE FURTHER TRAINING AS TALENT SCOUT & MANAGEMENT PLANNER

The education and training program is run by the DHGS (German University of Health & Sport) and the International Football Institute. Renowned lecturers impart application-oriented knowledge for practical work in the modules.
In the five modules, each with two days of attendance and a virtual learning phase, the participants deal intensively with the topics of soccer

and training theory, scouting, and the development of the game. At the end of the certificate course, participants complete a final presentation.

11.05.-12.05.2023 (Cologne)
09.10.-10.10.2023 (Vienna)

In addition to scientific work and the classification of the scouting process in the context of sports science, the first module deals primarily with athletic performance. The participants get an impression of which parameters can have essential effects on the performance of a soccer player and how they are connected. These core components form the basis for the creation of position-specific requirement profiles. These profiles are the prerequisite for an efficient way of observing the game and the players.

15.06.-16.06.2023 (Cologne)
13.11.-14.11.2023 (Vienna)

The second topic deals with the scientific methodology of player observation and its application in practice. In addition to subjective impression analysis and systematic game observation, participants learn to work with game and performance data. The fields of application are divided into a three-pillar model: live scouting, video scouting and data scouting. In the second main topic of this module, the participants are given the opportunity to work with different software tools that optimally support the work processes and contribute to increasing efficiency. In addition to platforms for video scouting and for organizing live coaching, participants will also learn about software solutions for performing simple and complex data analyses.

25.07.-26.07.2023 (Cologne)
11.12.-12.12.2023 (Vienna)

At the beginning of the module, we deal with the definition of athletic talent. Based on this concept, the participants will then deal with talent diagnosis, talent screening, talent identification and talent selection in chronological order. The participants will not only learn about the opportunities and potentials of the selection process, but also about the challenges and perceptual errors in the selection process (e.g. relative age effect). The final focus of this module is an essential topic: talent development. Because the recognition of athletic talent is still a complex topic, starting from the performance requirements to be able to develop top athletic performances.

24.08.-25.08.2023 (Cologne)
15.01.-16.01.2024 (Vienna)

In the fourth module, the participants learn to assess squad planning from various perspectives and focal points. In addition to analyzing sporting and structural requirements in order to define recruiting tasks, participants learn how to include economic and legal parameters in the planning process. This module differentiates between planning in youth performance soccer, the transitional area and professional senior soccer with their different challenges. Our personalities with expertise in sports practice will present their view on this topic from different areas of responsibility, for example from the perspective of the sports management, the head scouts or the coaches*. Concrete case studies from practice will show how complex and influenced by certain currents some decisions can be.

28.09.-29.09.2023 (Cologne)
19.02.-20.02.2024 (Vienna)

What happens after the ideal player for the respective position has been identified? The fifth module on transfer management deals precisely with this process. The complexity of this last step, from the identification of the player to the signing of the contract, is conveyed to the participants by the expertise from the various professional fields. In order to complete a transfer successfully, certain legal parameters must be adhered to. But what are the options for drafting contracts? We will discuss an answer to this question with a long-time lawyer and association functionaries. Case studies will show the participants how complex the interests between the four parties involved in a contract negotiation can be: the player, the receiving club, the releasing club and the advisor of the player. The module will conclude with a change of perspective into the player advisor’s perspective with all its facets beyond the pure mediation of the players.

*Expected dates – subject to change without notice

**More content can be viewed by clicking on the plus

OUR LEARNING CONCEPT: BLENDED LEARNING

Blended learning is even more than e-learning: it combines the classic face-to-face seminars with various online learning formats, thus making learning more modern, flexible and transfer effective. Due to the semi-virtual concept and the block models, the programs are extra-occupational and can therefore also be carried out alongside sport and family.
The certificate program is therefore much more than an online or distance learning program.

In order to test the knowledge gained, online tests are just as possible as study papers on individual topics.
The innovative learning approach guarantees the compatibility of work, sports and further education.
Lecturers with enormous subject expertise impart practical knowledge at the highest level during the ten days of attendance.

  • MULTIMEDIA STUDY MATERIAL

  • PERSONAL CONTACT PERSONS

  • INTERACTIVE EXCHANGE

  • IDEAL TRAINING ALONGSIDE SPORT AND WORK

  • PROMOTION OF DIGITAL SKILLS

  • INDIVIDUAL LEARNING AT YOUR OWN PACE

  • HIGHEST APPLICATION ORIENTATION AND FLEXIBILITY

  • BALANCED MIX OF ONLINE LEARNING AND FACE-TO-FACE TEACHING

OUR LEARNING CONCEPT: BLENDED LEARNING

Blended learning is even more than e-learning: it combines the classic face-to-face seminars with various online learning formats, thus making learning more modern, flexible and transfer effective. Due to the semi-virtual concept and the block models, the programs are extra-occupational and can therefore also be carried out alongside sport and family.
The certificate program is therefore much more than an online or distance learning program.

In order to test the knowledge gained, online tests are just as possible as study papers on individual topics.
The innovative learning approach guarantees the compatibility of work, sports and further education.
Lecturers with enormous subject expertise impart practical knowledge at the highest level during the ten days of attendance.

  • MULTIMEDIA STUDY MATERIAL

  • PERSONAL CONTACT PERSONS

  • INTERACTIVE EXCHANGE

  • IDEAL TRAINING ALONGSIDE SPORT AND WORK

  • PROMOTION OF DIGITAL SKILLS

  • INDIVIDUAL LEARNING AT YOUR OWN PACE

  • HIGHEST APPLICATION ORIENTATION AND FLEXIBILITY

  • BALANCED MIX OF ONLINE LEARNING AND FACE-TO-FACE TEACHING

YOUR CAREER AS A FOOTBALL SCOUT & SQUAD PLANNER*: SIFTING AND SEARCHING

For many people working in soccer, the word scout quickly passes their lips. The term has become established. However, many people from clubs and associations still find it difficult to outline the exact job description of a scout. Even media companies, people in soccer journalism and soccer scientists do not have a uniform description of the function of a soccer scout.

Scouts are sometimes confused with assistant coaches, tactics coaches, match analysts, video analysts, match observers or even player agents or consultants.

In principle, the scout, who is now usually employed on a permanent basis, has the task of discovering players at other clubs who fit perfectly into their own system. These can be young talents, but also seasoned professionals.Scouts are therefore sighters and seekers.

They look for players in a very targeted manner and search for players in line with the requirements profile of their own club.

Scouts are therefore often the first to get to the talents. Their first look or their first assessment can be decisive in determining whether a transfer is ultimately made. The roles of the special, often also on itself placed Vor- and Zuarbeitenden takes place thereby apart from the public interest. As a rule, only insiders are familiar with the names of the scouts.

Hundreds of scouts are now active in professional soccer, and it is hard to imagine professional soccer without them in the Bundesliga and at the DFB. Their field of activity extends all over the world. The romantic ideal is that they are more often in foreign stadiums than at their own desks. And yet they still have the task of building up a functioning scouting department at their own club, maintaining databases of players, evaluating statistics and keeping up to date with analysis and video software such as Wyscout.

A club’s squad planner is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. Individual players can decide games, but it is the right team composition that is crucial to achieve lasting success. Squad planners often act as a link between the scouting department and the coaching team and should ensure that players who are signed fit into the concept of the club and the coaching team.

THESE COOPERATION PARTNERS TRUST
IN OUR EXPERTISE

By cooperating with us, our partners come into direct and personal contact with decision-makers from the soccer industry who work for us as lecturers or people with expertise.
In addition, partnerships enable us to get in touch with people who already work for clubs or associations and who are already or will soon be deciding on their

own cooperation with partners.
The early point of contact with current and future executives enables the development of new business areas.
During excursions, cooperation partners can also present themselves as attractive employers.

THESE COOPERATION PARTNERS TRUST
IN OUR EXPERTISE

By cooperating with us, our partners come into direct and personal contact with decision-makers from the soccer industry who work for us as lecturers or people with expertise.
In addition, partnerships enable contact with people who already work at clubs or associations and who are already deciding, or will soon be deciding, on their own collaborations with partners.
The early point of contact with current and future executives enables the development of new business areas.
During excursions, cooperation partners can also present themselves as attractive employers.

STUDY LOCATION COLOGNE

Between carnival, Kölsch beer, the cathedral and many cheerful Rhinelanders, the Cologne campus of the University of Applied Management is centrally located at MediaPark . In modern and inspiring premises and an innovative learning environment, it is possible to study semi-virtually, flexibly and with a high degree of practical relevance – even part-time.

Cologne as a strong economic center and as the heart of the metropolitan region Rhineland with a diverse mix of industries, offers our students great development opportunities in the midst of the typical urban and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Cologne.

VIENNA AS A PLACE OF STUDY

Our Campus Vienna is located in the Urban Lakeside, one of the largest and most modern urban development projects in Europe.
Here, modern and friendly seminar rooms await you, which are optimally adapted to your learning needs.

Thanks to the very good connection to the highway and the subway, the campus is easy to reach by car as well as by public transport.

Accommodation is available in all categories in the immediate vicinity in the Urban Lakeside.

FAQ

With the successful completion of our certificates, you earn experience points that you can use for the DFB’s trainer training for the entrance examination procedures.

The concept of our university certificate is semi-virtual. The combination of virtual self-learning phases on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform and the face-to-face modules allows you to combine the certificate in an ideal way, for example, with your job, your family, as well as sports and leisure time.

The course consists of a total of 5 modules, each with two consecutive attendance days, which take place at monthly intervals. Between these attendance days, there is the opportunity to deepen and learn discussed and further content on the online learning platform as part of the virtual learning phase and to work on individual and group assignments.

The courses take place in Cologne and Vienna respectively.

Our university certificate lasts 7 months. In addition, the respective certificate award takes place in a special setting at the end of the certificate period.

Our university certificate takes place on an annual basis.
The exact dates of the course can be found on the certificate website.

The attendance days within the course are not mandatory, but attendance is expected and highly recommended for successful completion.

The size of the course group is a maximum of 30 participants.
This ensures a productive, interactive and pleasant learning atmosphere.

Participation in the university certificate requires a university entrance qualification or completed vocational training in a recognized profession that is conducive to the course, as well as at least three years of professional practice that is conducive to the course.

The final project of the certificate represents a written work in which the participants take on a topic-specific fictitious role and thereby put the knowledge acquired in the respective course into practice.
In addition, on the last day of the course, participants must present their thoughts and ideas to the examination board.

Registration takes place via the “REGISTER NOW” button on the certificate website.
After submitting the completed application form, the person applying will immediately receive a confirmation email listing all the required documents needed for the application.

Our university certificate is certified, recognized in the soccer industry and enjoys a good reputation, especially among clubs and associations. In addition, the credit points achieved can be credited at selected universities.

The total fee for the university certificate is 3,465 euros (495 euros/month).

Payable in 7 installment/s at €466.57/month each

Contact Cologne

Andreas Giglberger

Manager Education & Training

International Football Institute
Steinheilstr. 8
85737 Ismaning

+49(0)-89-6209 787-202

Contact Vienna

Stefan Kramer

Assistant Manager Österreich

International Football Institute
Seestadtstraße 27
1220 Wien

+43-1361 99057

++ LIMITED TO 30 PLACES – REGISTER NOW! ++

++ LIMITED TO 30 PLACES – REGISTER NOW! ++

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