1

Rochdale AFC Academy

Talent Identification and Recruitment Plan

2019/20

DEPARTMENTAL PLANS

TALENT ID & RECRUITMENT – Larry Redmond

VISION

To recruit and develop players that have the traits and fundamentals that the club require to represent the 1st team or to be sold on to bigger clubs. To have a streamlined and

effective scouting network both within Rochdale and also the surrounding areas, that gives local players the opportunity to play for their home town team. To provide a seamless

multi-disciplinary strategy and communication system across the scouting network.

OBJECTIVES

•Try to increase opportunity for local Rochdale players to be involved in an academy set up.

•To develop an internal communication strategy

•To produce and consistently fill in a scout report easy to access for scouts and spotters.

•Ensure all players are uploaded onto PMA and a strategy in place to keep track of players

•Create official links/partnerships with local clubs

•Integrate into primary and secondary schools

•Reduce players going to rival clubs such as Bury, Oldham, Accrington Stanley, Burnley etc

•Consistently deliver open trials twice a year

MEASUREMENT & PERFORMANCE TARGETS• To recruit 8 players to represent PDP if not already identified within the current U16s

• Recruit at least 1x Academy Scouts / Spotters

• To understand, configure & utilise PMA

• To ensure all staff have the FA Talent ID Level 2 to meet the EFL rules

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS

Open trials twice a year- staffing and pitch fees

Additional member of staff to oversee Foundation Phase Recruitment= £5000

Expenses for scouts/spotters who are entitled to claim=£50 per player getting through the phase

Employment of extra staff (retainers and potential expenses)

2

3

Vision for next 3 yearsTo recruit and develop players that have the traits and fundamentals that the club require

to represent the 1st team or to be sold on.

To have a streamlined and effective scouting network both within Rochdale and also the

surrounding areas, that gives local players the opportunity to play for their home town

team.

To provide a seamless multi-disciplinary strategy and communication system across the

scouting network.

4

Age SpecificU7 & U8s – A high performing Pre academy operated by Academy coaches and aimed

at creating a new U9s age group every year.

Links with community programmes and initiatives plus Rochdale Schools Cup to recruit

and develop players between 7-11

Development Centres in Wythenshawe (7-11) and Ormskirk (9-12) aimed at developing

players into our lower age groups

Development Centres across the 13-16 age groups based in Hyde but under Rochdale

AFC name to form and create pathways into academy.

Open Trials twice a year

Elite Development Squad- U17/U18 group with the aim of developing players good

enough to join Youth Team while receiving an education.

5

Phase SpecificFoundation phase - This phase has a Pre Academy at U7s/U8s to ensure that there is

a smooth transition into U9s and Academy football. Development centres in

Wythenshawe and Ormskirk helps to fill any gaps from these phase, plus a scouting

network for these age groups. Links with schools and local clubs also assists in the

phase specific.

Youth Development Phase- This phase has a development centre based at Hyde,

which links closely with the Academy to provide players with opportunity to progress.

Links with local schools and also schoolboys teams (Liverpool) plus a scouting network

allows for the Youth Development Phase to be well recruited.

Professional Development Phase- Information from other Academies of players who

have been released. Looking to promote own U16s where possible into Professional

Development Phase.

Pre Academy Recruitment StrategyWHERE OTHER CLUBS ARE DOING?

• Paid scouts.• Active in

recruitment, areas, links to clubs.

• Invites into Academy.

• Play grassroots teams on Sunday.

• Active in recruitment

• Very active in scouting

• Good links with best grassroots / clubs / coaches / players

• Play games on a Sunday after Academy so teams can play in teams during morning.

• Active in scouting, paid scouts.

• Good links with best grassroots teams

• Play games on a Sunday, training nights and invite teams in to train.

• Paid scout who connects with everyone.

• Restricted in location to our area.

• More aware of players than us.

PREVIOUS NOW POSSIBLE COST / POTENTIAL

MEASURE

2018 – 19 Pre-Academy recruitment strategy

Open trials

Development centre

Word of mouth

Kevin Dunkerley Milnrow Juniors 07973814675

Parents of current playersLee Tuite –07429954402Lloyd Williams -07736306158

Ex – coaches

Development centres

Open trials

Ped Man Utd (R.A.) – 07492413239

Mark Read / Rick Ashcroft scouting some Saturdays

Mike Melvin Futsal3 (R.A.) -07776155185

Brian Appleton De la Sal (M.R.) -07468432507

Rob Fuller Avros(R.A.) -07595486425

Billy Hilton Futsal3 & Man Utd (M.R.) -07971832054

Matt Bunn Moston Tigers (M.R.) –07718069334

Brett Baxter Everton (K.D.) –07860833085

Joe Holt (M.R.) -07583645932

Jack Salkeld Curzon Ashton (R.A./ M.R.) -07947228653£25-35 per month

Recruitment meeting – Possible 1st team home game / food?

Academy facility / additional goals??

Academy scouting induction & CPD

Coaches invited in with player

Social media acknowledgement for club player recruited from

SLA – Futsal3??

Quality of U8 / 7 intake- through game assessments

Players signposted in database

Tournaments U8

Communication into Grass roots

Links and partnership opportunities

Games / friendlies / partnership opportunities

NOW OFFERING POSSIBLE COST NEEDS WE OFFER

2018 – 19 Pre-Academy recruitment strategy

Ped Man Utd

Lee Tuite

Lloyd Williams

Kevin Dunkerley

Brian Appleton

Mike Melvin

Rob Fuller

Billy Hilton

Matt Bunn

Brett Baxter

Jack Salkeld

Signposting players

Signposting players

Signposting players

Signposting playersNew League

Signposting playersFutsal 3 opportunity

Link to grassrootsSignposting players

Signposting playersTournaments, games

Signposting players

Signposting players

Signposting players

Signposting players

Signposting players (EMJFL)Signposting players

New League / drive admin, welfare, club link

TournamentsAdditional sport

Development centre

Scouting / Co-ordinatorDevelopment centre

Signposting players

Signposting players

None

None

None

PartnershipOffice space

Service level agreement

None /S.L.A.

None or budget for role

T.B.C.

Renumeration

None

None

None

PartnershipOffice space

Parental access

Link to grassrootsSignposting

Some renumeration

T.B.C.

£25 -35 per month

MANCHESTER CVF 1 MANCHESTER CVF 2 EAST MANCHESTER

Failsworth Utd 07827336897

Elite07572609510

Falcon Athletic07538780734

Falcon Athletic07538780734

FC Blue Star Fletcher Moss U7s07538967470

Middleton Lads B Pro/ Middleton Lads FC Select07971832054

Middleton Predators

07971832054

Moston Tigers07718069334

Football Ole

Pro Football Academy07944611493

PFA Futures / Leigh Allstars / Prospects07944611493

Reddish Vulcans The Eight FC Liverpool

RTC Manchester07539778276

Stalybridge Celtic07802615352

2018 – 19 Pre-Academy recruitment strategy

U8 Teams, Leagues, contacts

10

Identification of

Target GroupsLinks with Liverpool Schoolboys in particular allows for a targeted approach to this area. Players

from this area meet the requirements of what is needed to be a Rochdale AFC Academy player

and have proved successful.

The club is beginning to create links with local schools and clubs to enhance opportunity within

the local area. Scouts are deployed around the Greater Manchester area also for greater

coverage.

11

Strategy on Identification and Recruitment of Early/Late DevelopersProvision for Late Developers

The Academy realises not all players mature at the same rate and therefore we support the Birth Bias theory and always refer to the 4 Corner and Long Term Player Development theories when making important decisions around the recruitment of young boys.

Talent ID & Recruitment

The Scout Assessment Criteria form has provision for the recording of Date of Birth (Birth Bias) and Early/Normal/Late Developer (Physical

Maturation), in order for the department to make an informed judgement and possible recommendation. The Physical identification can only be done on a visual against his peers of the same age, due to the lack of pre information on the player.

The Academy has a close relationship with local professional clubs and throughout the phases will always look at players released because of

late maturation. Rochdale AFC Academy will always give players a chance if they meet the recommended criteria and fit with our ethos and philosophy.

Games/Training

One example to support Late Developers is that we regularly allow players of this nature to play an age group down in the games programme, but train with their own age group to ensure they don’t fall behind their peers.

Another example is that we utilise our Academy Development Centres to provide a drop back to a less intense environment if players are struggling in their current development programme, and to watch and nurture potential players.

Also, utilising the important strategies mentioned in KPI 2, such as the Positive Learning Environment, Age Group Characteristics, Differentiation and Coaching Styles philosophies, Academy coaches portray a calm and understanding environment for all.

12

Strategy on Dealing

With AgentsThe Academy has a zero tolerance on schoolboy players having representatives.

The club has a designated player representative for any players/families wishing to

receive support when necessary.

13

Policy for scouts attending games

14

Access Policy for External Scouts

15

Protocol for approach by Scouts

16

Organisational chart of Talent

ID and Recruitment Area

17

Head of Academy Recruitment

Larry Redmond PTE

Matthew Knowles7-12

(Rochdale/Bury & Surrounding area)

Carl GilesMainly 12-16 but covers below also(Bonus Scheme)

(Liverpool)

Paul Brady1st Team and

Academy(North West)

Grass Roots/School Contacts

Craig ChappellPartnerships and

Schools

Brett Baxter7-12

Foundation Phase Recruitment Lead

(Greater Manchester)

Football in the Community

Keith Hicks FTE(Rochdale)

Lee Buckley7-12

(Bolton Area)

Recruitment Structure 19/20

Adam Cree7-12 but also access

to 13-16(Bonus Scheme)(Wythenshawe)

18

Activity Plan for Recruitment In Foundation PhaseThe Academy Head of Recruitment manages all Activity plans and records weekly attendance on PMA

The Academy realises that the Foundation Phase is the fundamental window to support the long term sustainability of the

Academy and the Club. Therefore it is crucial we get success in the recruitment of 5-12 year olds, especially with the other

Premier League, Championship and League 1 & 2 clubs so close to our catchment area.

The Academy also utilises other staff in the Club to cover all areas of Greater Manchester.

Craig Chappell- Rochdale

Developing partnerships and links with schools and grassroots clubs within the Rochdale area to provide local children with

the opportunity to represent their local club. This is looking to cover primary and secondary schools as well as the

numerous age groups within local clubs.

Scouting Timetable

Monday- Friday 9am-5pm to develop increase number of partnerships.

Brett Baxter- Foundation Lead Scout

Brett will be overseeing the recruitment in the Foundation Phase with a large emphasis on U7, U8 and U9s. He will work

across the Greater Manchester area and also Bolton.

Scouting Timetable

TBC

19

Adam Cree– Wythenshaw

Adam has a great network in the Wythenshaw area, with links to local schools and clubs. His main area is within the younger age

groups but often has a positive impact on the older age groups also and kids identify players here too.

Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments):

Monday-Friday Evenings 5.00 – 9.00PM (Junior Club training sessions)

Sunday 9.00AM – 5.00PM (Junior Leagues, Festivals and Tournaments)

All Academy scouts work locally and regionally, and occasionally nationally.

Danny Lloyd

Danny works in schools over in South Manchester and Trafford and regularly finds good talent for the Academy.

Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments):

Monday-Friday 9.00AM – 5.00PM (School Sessions)

Saturday 9.00AM – 5.00PM (Junior Leagues, Festivals and Tournaments)

Together the staff cover a lot of ground and the current crop of Foundation Phase players are of a good footing and potential,

linked to the Academy Football Philosophy, Player Profiles and Position Specifics Traits and Fundamentals.

20

Activity Plan for Recruitment in Youth

Development PhaseFollowing the Foundation Phase Recruitment Strategy, the Youth Development Phase

is a more targeted approach to fill any gaps. The recruitment drive period covers the

whole season.

The Academy also utilises other staff in the Club to cover all areas of Greater

Manchester.

Craig Chappell- Rochdale

Developing partnerships and links with schools and grassroots clubs within the

Rochdale area to provide local children with the opportunity to represent their local

club. This is looking to cover primary and secondary schools as well as the numerous

age groups within local clubs.

Scouting Timetable

Monday- Friday 9am-5pm to develop increase number of partnerships.

The Academy Head of Recruitment manages all Activity

plans and records weekly attendance on PMA

21

Carl Giles- Liverpool

Carl has fantastic knowledge of the Liverpool area as he is heavily involved in the successful schoolboys set up.

Mainly oversees the YDP age groups but also has knowledge of the top end of FP for his schoolboys group.

Scouting Timetable

Saturday/Sundays- 9.00am-1.00pm

Weekday evenings when possible.

The Head of Recruitment also liaises with local professional clubs who are always looking for other clubs to support

their exit strategies.

Local grass roots finals, festivals and national tournaments are also covered. All Academy scouts work locally and

regionally, and occasionally nationally.

Together the staff and partners cover a lot of ground and the current crop of Youth Development Phase players are

of a good footing and potential, linked to the Academy Football Philosophy, Player Profiles and Position Specifics

Traits and Fundamentals.

22

Activity Plan for Recruitment in the

Professional Development PhaseFollowing the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase Recruitment Strategies, the Professional Development

Phase is a targeted approach to fill any gaps. The recruitment drive period covers the whole season.

The Academy also utilises other staff in the Club to cover all areas of Greater Manchester.

Larry Redmond– Academy Head of Recruitment

At this phase the Head of Recruitment is more active in working with local Colleges and Universities, as well as local semi-

professional and non-league clubs, where late developers or released players may turn up playing again.

Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments):

Monday-Friday 9.00AM – 9.00PM (Daytime and Evenings)

Paul Brady

Paul covers the North West looking at potential new scholarship recruits and players released from other clubs. Paul also

works for the first team and is allocated certain games to scout for.

Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments):

Monday-Friday 9.00AM – 9.00PM (Daytime and Evenings)

Local grass roots youth league finals, festivals and national tournaments are also covered. All Academy scouts work locally

and regionally, and occasionally nationally.

Together the staff and partners cover a lot of ground and the current crop of Professional Development Phase players are

of a good footing and potential, linked to the Academy Football Philosophy, Player Profiles and Position Specifics Traits and

Fundamentals.

The Academy Head of Recruitment

manages all Activity plans and records

weekly attendance on PMA

23

Tracking of PlayersPlayers who have been scouted are now uploaded onto our database on PMA.

It has a record of where they were seen and where with a report next to them.

It has information into next steps (watched, trialled, trialled and released, signed.

This will allow for greater tracking of players who were trialled and then unsuccessful and allow the Academy

to see if there is further development with these players.

24

Job Descriptions and Responsibilities of

Talent ID and Recruitment StaffJOB DESCRIPTION – HEAD OF ACADEMY RECRUITMENT – (PTE)

Reporting to: Academy Manager

Responsibilities: To manage and co-ordinate the department, including managing a team of scouts to

identify and recruit elite players to Rochdale AFC at Academy and Youth team level in line with club and

academy philosophies and player profiles.

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

A member of the Academy Management Team

Develop, Define & Monitor the Academy Football Philosophy on a day to day basis

Develop, Define & Monitor the Academy Performance Plan on a day to day basis

Manage the Transition of Academy Players through each stage of the Performance Pathway

To support and implement the process of Setting Productivity Targets

To support the Academy Human Resource process where appropriate

Provide evidence to support the Season Operational Record and EPPP Audit process.

Attend and support Multi-Disciplinary meetings

Chair Talent Identification & Recruitment meetings

Manage the effective and efficient operation of the Clubs Academy Recruitment Strategy.

25

Ensure the Rochdale AFC Academy Talent Identification & Recruitment Performance Management Application is

fully utilised, updated and operational.

To manage and deploy the Academy Recruitment Scouts for the U8-16 age groups andensure good

communication and working relationship with the Academy coaches and the Football in the Community Trust.

Organise, brief and monitor the performance of a team of part-time Academy scouts

To comply with all scout policies and procedures implemented by the department and ensure the team under

your management also comply.

To manage, regularly update and analyse the success of the department through the scout database

Attend meetings and assist in the delivery of In-service training for the department

as directed by the Academy manager.

To play a full role in identifying and recruiting players and Communicate with parents and guardians.

Liaise with the Academy staff with regards the club and academy philosophies and player profiles and ensure a

smooth introduction into the Academy for all players

To liaise with the Lead Phase Coaches and keep regular reports on the progress of

Academy players with regards retention and release, linked to the database.

Ensure contact networks are built, extended and serviced regularly in conjunction

with the Academy Manager.

Work within deadlines agreed with the Club and attend appropriate meetings.

Any other scouting requirements as directed by the Academy Manager.

JOB DESCRIPTION – HEAD OF ACADEMY RECRUITMENT – (PTE) - continued

26

The role of the Academy Scout is an integral piece of the overall framework on which the Academy operates.

Scouts are the first face of the Club and Academy and therefore it is vitally important they follow the Scout Job

description and accompanying protocol.

The Primary role of the Scout is to:

Have an understanding of the Academy Player profiles

Be able to spot potential talent linked to the Academy Playing Philosophy

Excellent Communication Skills

Discuss the needs of the Academy with the Head of Recruitment

Be familiar with the Academy Player Profiles (per relevant Phase)

Be familiar with the Academy Grading System (per relevant Phase)

Visit Academy Training and Games on a regular basis

Comply with Scout Approach protocol

Produce scouting reports for each game attended (linked to profiles and grading)

Propose Trialists

Liaise with staff, player and family during Trial period

Discuss Performance of trialists with Phase Lead Coaches

Academy Scout Role

27

Development CentresThe club has a number of development centres across the different ages.

At 13-16 there is a full development centre based at Hyde under the bracket of Rochdale AFC Development

Centre.

A development centre is in Wythenshawe for ages 9-12 and also in Ormskirk for the same age groups. There

is also a development centre in Bolton that caters for some age groups between 7-16

The development centres follow the same programme of the club ensuring that the same messages and

information is given across this.

All coaches are at least FA Level 2 with many coaches holding qualifications above this.

Bolton

Centre

Wythenshawe

Centre

Manchester

E.D.S.

ROCHDALE ACADEMY PROGRESSION PATHWAYS

Bolton

Centre

Rochdale

E.D.S.

Manchester Centre

Burscough

E.D.S.

LiverpoolCentre

Rochdale

Centre

Birmingham

E.D.S.

Development Centres U7 – U16

Elite Development Centres U17 – U18

Plus Education

ROCHDALE AFC ACADEMYU9 – U18 1ST TEAM

Buxton

E.D.S.

29

Academy Actively supporting

Amateur Junior ClubsThe Academy is currently putting together a programme to support and link with

Amateur Junior Clubs in the Borough. It is importantly to ensure that all Rochdale

players have the same opportunity to represent their hometown club and play at

the highest level possible.

When officially linked SLA will be drawn up and signed to ensure formal

agreements for both parties.

Milnrow Juniors SLA

30

• 3 CPD sessions per year for your club

• CPD 1- coaches. A CPD for your coaches where our academy staff can come into your environment and deliver sessions to selective age groups around topics/themes suggested buy you

• CPD 2- the players. A CPD event for players which would involve players from your club come into our environment and train with their age groups over a week period

• CPD 3- the board. A CPD event to assist in the structure and development of your current philosophy and visions for your club

• Goalkeeping training with our Academy GK coach regularly throughout the season

• Tickets for a League 1 fixture in the 2017/18 season

• Potential Player visits to your club

• Opportunity for fixtures v our academy teams

Rochdale AFC Academy Proposal

32

The Academy actively supports

Local SchoolsThe Academy is currently putting together a programme to support and link with Local schools.

This two way agreement is to enhance and develop links further across the Borough to ensure

that all Rochdale players have the same opportunity to represent their hometown club and play

at the highest level possible.

When officially linked an SLA will be drawn up and signed to ensure formal agreements for both

parties.

St Cuthberts & Oulder Hill High School

The Academy are actively in the above two schools delivering the following:

• Delivering GCSE PE practical lessons to help students gain knowledge of how to plan and deliver sessions in preparation for their practical assessments

• Working with specific age group football teams to support and enhance player performance

• To assist in the delivery of football delivery across the school

From this and the great communication with both schools we have recruited players into the Academy

Although no SLA is currently in place this is the next stage to formalise a partnership.

33

Rochdale AFC Academy Proposal

• Willingness to create opportunity for Rochdale players to represent their home town club

• 6x FREE coaching sessions from our academy staff on a yearly basis

• 3 sessions for the best players in years 7/8/9 (22 altogether)

• 3 sessions for the best players in years 10/11 (22 altogether)

• Provide the school with equipment at the end of the season

• Presence at school events such as celebration assemblies, careers fairs etc

• Potential visits from players and/or club members

• Organisation and implementation of Rochdale Schools Cup with final potentially on Crown Oil Arena Pitch.

35

Links with District Schools

AssociationsRochdale AFC Academy have a fantastic link with Liverpool Schoolboys Association, often

providing Liverpool based players with opportunities to join the club having signed a number of

players over the past two seasons. Liverpool Schoolboys coaches are invited to coach education

and CPD events at the club as well as organising matches throughout the season.

The Academy also have links with schoolboys associations around the Greater Manchester, with

numerous players throughout the Academy representing their schoolboys sides.

36

Understanding of Gifted and Talented

The club‘s understanding around Gifted and Talented Players are “players who have

the potential to develop beyond what is expected at their age.”

The scouts as part of their new CPD will be viewing and observing Academy fixtures to

have a greater understanding of current players. This will enhance and further the

scouting decisions and also when thinking about when recruiting for a certain age

group would it prevent excelling a Gifted and Talented player from below. The scouts

will be encouraged to find players who have the potential to be Gifted and Talented.

37

Strategy on internal assessment/benchmarking

Of players to inform external scoutingThe Academy Talent ID & Recruitment department works very closely with the Coaching Team and

Academy Management Team to produce a needs analysis strategy per season. This is reviewed

regularly throughout each season to ensure all positions at all age groups are covered.

This is aligned to the Academy Performance Targets together with the Position Specific Player

Profiles.

Any requests for players are then handed to the relevant scouts for them to begin their

identification process.

The Academy uses a 4 cornered approach to assessing potential players.

This consists of a 5 point scoring system for each area and the club’s non negotiables

of Compete/Press/Run/Contact/Retain – see attached

These are linked to the internal 6/12 week reviews

38

Link the player profiles

Into scouting processThe Academy uses a 4 cornered approach to assessing potential players.

This consists of a 5 point scoring system for each area and the club’s non negotiables

of Compete/Press/Run/Contact/Retain. This provides an overall assessment which is

carefully reviewed before trial – see attached

These are linked to the internal 6/12 week reviews

39

Flexibility of Trial ProcessThe trial process of players within our Academy ensures players are given the

maximum opportunity to gain a contract.

Once players come into our environment we look to make a decision very quickly to

either offer a contract, put them on a trialist contract, or inform them that their trial wont

be taken any further.

The trial may be extended if a decision is borderline, or if an injury or other mitigating

circumstance has occurred.

With this process we look to offer them our development centre in order to keep them

within our system and offer opportunities in the future to rejoin our academy set up.

We want to have an “open door” approach where players who initially may not be at the

required level have an opportunity to rejoin our academy set up in the future.

40

Exit Strategy/feedback process

The Academy has a 4 cornered feedback form and letter aligned to the internal/external assessment process

and 6/12 week reviews – see attached on audit tool

41

Trialist assessment form aligned to

Scout assessment form

The Academy uses a 4 cornered approach to assessing potential players.

This is consistent to reviews, coaching and scouting

This consists of a 5 point scoring system for each area and the club’s non negotiables

of Compete/Press/Run/Contact/Retain – see attached

These are linked to the internal 6/12 week reviews

42

Systematic profiling approach

when assessing players

This will be enhanced for the forthcoming season with the new CPD for

Scouts/Spotters (slide 39) where the understanding between the scouting network and

the coaching network will become clearer as the scouts become more educated in the

way that the club works with philosophy and traits of the club at the forefront of this.

43

Multi-disciplinary approach in

Decision making on recruitmentA number of different departments are involved when making a decision on players who

attend the Academy on trial.

The age group coach and phase lead have the most contact time with the player and

will often give recommendations to Academy Manager who ultimately has the final

decision on a player.

In some circumstances the Sport Science department and Medical department are

asked for assistance in making a decision on a player to ensure that the correct

decision on the player is made.

44

Manage Talent Pathway within

The AcademyThe Academy has begun formulating a database of players on PMA who have been scouted.

Reports are sent by the scouts to HoR or Operations to input and upload onto the database.

This will allow us to be able to keep tabs on certain players and identify what teams that they

come from which will assist in the links with local grassroots clubs.

All Scouts/Spotters will undergo training to be able to upload themselves so all scouts have

access and get target certain age groups and players based on previous scouting also.

45

Phase by Phase Progression

The Academy analyses when players entered the Academy.

This highlights the success of the Talent ID scouting system from amateur football and

the success of the Academy retention.

Record of player movement from

And to Amateur Football &

46

Scouting EducationAll Scouts/Spotters advised to complete FA Talent ID Level 1 online course

RAFC have recently requested a FA Talent ID L2 course for the upcoming season.

The club has began to put together CPD days for our scouting network. This will

include:

• Attendance at Rochdale Academy matches to view the current level of academy

players

• CPD days to ensure all scouts are adhering to FA and club rules and regulations

and that full understanding of what the club is after from players.