Become a Pro Soccer Scout or Soccer Executive in Just 8 Weeks
If you want to work in professional soccer—as a scout, sporting director, front office executive, or player personnel specialist—you need more than passion for the game. You need a deep understanding of talent evaluation, roster construction, scouting systems, global recruitment, and the business structure of modern clubs.
SMWW’s 8-week online Soccer Management & Scouting Course is designed to help you build those skills and position yourself for soccer jobs worldwide.
Taught by Vlatko Andonovski, former Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team and current Global Sporting Director of the NWSL’s KC Current, and Gordon Kljestan, Vice President of Soccer Operations for the LA Galaxy, this course delivers elite-level insight into how successful soccer organizations are built.
Whether your goal is MLS, NWSL, USL, the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, or international football, this course gives you a foundation in professional scouting and soccer management.
NEXT START DATE: March 30NEXT START DATE:
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Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Chats With Gordon Kljestan
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Global soccer continues to expand at every level—men’s and women’s professional leagues, international competitions, and youth academies. With that growth comes increased competition for front office and scouting positions.
Clubs today require staff who understand:
Global talent identification
Opposition analysis and match preparation
Data-informed decision-making
Salary cap and financial compliance structures
Academy development pathways
International transfer systems
This course prepares you for the realities of modern soccer operations—both on the technical and executive side of the game.
You will finish this program with a diversified, professional skill set in:
Evaluating soccer talent at elite and developmental levels
Scouting opposing teams and preparing tactical reports
Understanding roster construction and salary structures
Managing player personnel departments
Navigating the business side of global football
The Soccer Management and Scouting course mentors will educate you by utilizing their vast experiences playing the game, managing the game, coaching the game, and scouting at all levels of soccer worldwide.
You will finish this course with a new and diversified skill set in evaluating soccer talent, scouting opposing teams, managing soccer organizations, and operating player personnel departments. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the course mentors and guest speakers in professional soccer worldwide.
Throughout this 8-week online program, you will study:
The four corners of elite player development
Opposition team analysis
Assessing and analyzing individual players
Writing professional soccer scouting reports
Pre-game scouting preparation
Utilizing data and external resources
Understanding team formations and tactical systems
Constructing effective team units
International player transfers and regulations
The role of academies in player development
Club structure and front office operations
The responsibilities of a Sporting Director, Head Coach, and Chief Scout
Salary cap management and UEFA Financial Fair Play
The role of agents and player representation
The business of professional soccer
This curriculum reflects how real clubs operate—combining performance, recruitment, compliance, and long-term sporting vision.
The global expansion of MLS, NWSL, USL, European leagues, and international competitions has increased demand for knowledgeable soccer professionals.
Organizations are looking for individuals who understand talent identification, performance evaluation, regulatory compliance, and long-term sporting strategy.
This course is designed to help you take a meaningful step toward working in professional soccer—equipped with practical knowledge from leaders who operate at the highest levels of the game.
If you’re serious about launching your career in soccer management or scouting, this program provides a structured, realistic path forward.
Apply today to secure your place in the next course session.
Vlatko Andonovski is an accomplished professional soccer coach and former player from North Macedonia, widely respected for his success at both the professional and international levels. He has led championship-winning clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and served as head coach of the United States women's national soccer team from 2019 to 2023.
Andonovski was appointed the ninth head coach in USWNT history, succeeding Jill Ellis, and guided the team to a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
At the club level, he built a reputation as one of the top coaches in the NWSL, leading FC Kansas City to back-to-back league championships in 2014 and 2015. He later served as head coach of Seattle Reign FC (2018–2019), further solidifying his standing as a leader in the women’s professional game.
In 2023, Andonovski returned to Kansas City to lead the Kansas City Current as head coach before transitioning into the role of Global Sporting Director in 2025. In this executive position, he oversees player recruitment, scouting strategy, roster construction, and long-term sporting vision.
As an instructor in Soccer Management and Scouting, Andonovski brings elite-level insight into player evaluation, high-performance environments, leadership, and building championship-caliber organizations at both the club and international levels.
Gordon Kljestan is the LA Galaxy's Vice President of Soccer Operations. A Huntington Beach, CA native, Kljestan received his Sports Management degree from Seton Hall University. Kljestan was drafted by LA Galaxy in the 2007 MLS draft. He is now in his 13th season with LA Galaxy. His day-to-day duties with the club include salary cap and roster compliance, player contracts, and immigration. Gordon Kljestan holds a USSF B coaching license and is currently enrolled in the FIFA Diploma Course for Club Management.
Professional soccer organizations require versatile leaders who understand both performance and operations.
This course prepares you for roles such as:
Soccer Scout
Director of Player Personnel
Soccer General Manager
Sporting Director Support Roles
Soccer Agent
Soccer Operations
Front Office Executive
Game Operations
Sports Marketing & Media Relations
Player Recruitment Analyst
Soccer Internships
If you are searching for “how to become a soccer scout” or “how to work in soccer management,” this course provides foundational skills aligned with professional expectations.
The popularity of Soccer shows no sign of slowing down as professional leagues continue to expand around the world. As the competition to sign the best global talent increases and the importance of winning intensifies, opportunities to work in professional soccer have expanded.
Teams are constantly searching for fresh ways to discover and evaluate players, gain a competitive edge when evaluating the opposition, and increase the skills within their front office.
At SMWW, you'll learn the exact skills soccer teams around the globe need!
Led by KC Current Global Sporting Director, Vltako Andonovski and LA Galaxy Sr. Director of Player Personnel Gordon Kljestan, our 8-week online course is a one-of-a-kind experience to learn the inner workings of the soccer industry.
Unlike most online classes, we focus our program on interactive Zoom video chats directly with your course mentors, which allows you the opportunity to build personal relationships and rapport with these successful soccer industry leaders. After completing our Soccer Management & Scouting course, we will help you redesign your resume to highlight your new skills and include that you have been taught first-hand by Gordon Kljestan and Vlatko Andonovski. Now that is powerful!
The entire 2015 MLS champion Portland Timbers scouting staff were graduates of this course. Now that is SUCCESS! In addition to our many graduates working in MLS, we have alumni working in the EPL and other major soccer leagues around the globe.
Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats - A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive live Zoom video chats with fellow students, Vlatko Andonovski, Gordon Kljestan, and guest speakers. This is a tremendous opportunity to learn from your course facilitators. In addition, the chat allows you to network within the international soccer industry and build lasting relationships with your course facilitators and fellow students. If you are unable to attend the chat they are recorded and archived and you can listen at a more convenient time.
Online Education - This innovative academic course is facilitated through a web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy the live interactive Zoom video chats in addition to the online discussion boards, weekly readings, weekly quizzes, course projects, and interaction amongst fellow sports business-minded students and faculty. The course content is the foundation of a successful career on the business side of professional soccer!
Global Participation - SMWW students participate from over 162 countries. Courses have an international influence and instructors will cater assignments to specific countries or leagues.
University Credit Available: For additional fees to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, you may receive graduate or undergraduate university credit for Sports Management Worldwide's courses. Click here for more information.
Sports Career Conferences - Throughout the year, Sports Management Worldwide hosts Sports Career Conferences at a variety of sporting events. These are fabulous networking events that put SMWW alumni in the heart of the action. Opportunities to meet executives at all levels of sport are facilitated. Visit SMWW Sports Career Conferences to learn more.
Advanced Certificates: Want to take your career to the next level? Our Advanced Certificates have been hand-selected by our team of sports industry experts to put you on a path to success. These bundles allow you to take advantage of our biggest discount available, by bundling multiple courses and becoming an expert in that field. Learn more about our Advanced Certificates here.
Military Discount - For those individuals who represent their country in military service, (active, reserve, or retired) we offer a discount. Thank you for serving your country! For more information on the Military Discount please Click Here.
Tax Write Off - (For USA Citizens) SMWW course tuition, books, and supplies can be used for education tax credits. Save your receipts and consult with your tax advisor on how this applies to you.
Graduates may apply to join SMWWScouts.com, where they can showcase scouting reports and advertise themselves as trained talent evaluators.
Our goal is to prepare you for real soccer job opportunities. Through SMWW’s global network, we help graduates position themselves when the right opportunities arise.
Upon completion, you will receive an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment, demonstrating your commitment to professional development in soccer management and scouting.
We help you redesign your resume to highlight your new soccer management and scouting skills—including your mentorship under Vlatko Andonovski and Gordon Kljestan—so you stand out to hiring managers searching for qualified candidates.
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THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $650
Or a single payment of $1,950 Includes all course textbooks and access to a web-based classroom. Shipping is additional.
APPROXIMATELY $1950
Exact pricing including the discount is shown before you complete checkout. Payment plan options are provided during checkout. PAYMENT METHODS:
       Prerequisites: Must be 18 or older to participate and have a passion for sports.
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Deft Sports Executive Director and Registered Intermediary
Everton Football Club Head of Recruitment and Development
California Polytechnic State University, Assc. Head Coach & Recruiting Coord.
Owner of the Houston Hurricanes FC
Sporting Kansas City
Aston Villa
Stoke City FC
Real Salt Lake
Brentford FC
The Soccer Management and Scouting course was very helpful. While taking this course, I was able to learn more soccer tactics and I've learned more of what it takes to manage a club. This course has given me the opportunity to improve aspects of my sports agency.
The Soccer Management and Scouting course was very helpful. While taking this course, I was able to learn more soccer tactics and I've learned more of what it takes to manage a club. This course has given me the opportunity to improve aspects of my sports agency.
I enjoyed the discussions on football with like-minded people from around the world, as well doing the assignments which were very interesting. I would highly recommend this course. Thank you, SMWW, for the experience.
I enjoyed the discussions on football with like-minded people from around the world, as well doing the assignments which were very interesting. I would highly recommend this course. Thank you, SMWW, for the experience.
After completing the Soccer Management and Scouting course, I gained the knowledge and skills professional clubs require to assess players and teams. The course allowed me to understand how to analyze a soccer game and put what I see in the game down onto paper. Before the course, I watched soccer as a fan, but now I see the game from a scout's perspective. Thanks to SMWW for helping me kick-start my career. I am now working in my dream job - a European scout for Aston Villa FC.
After completing the Soccer Management and Scouting course, I gained the knowledge and skills professional clubs require to assess players and teams. The course allowed me to understand how to analyze a soccer game and put what I see in the game down onto paper. Before the course, I watched soccer as a fan, but now I see the game from a scout's perspective. Thanks to SMWW for helping me kick-start my career. I am now working in my dream job - a European scout for Aston Villa FC.
There is no degree or specific formula when it comes to becoming a soccer scout, but SMWW gives you a platform and community to work together and jump right into it. Doing this course is definitely not learning things from a book and reciting the information like a parrot, but rather applying yourself to dig deeper and expressing your own opinions and ideas.
There is no degree or specific formula when it comes to becoming a soccer scout, but SMWW gives you a platform and community to work together and jump right into it. Doing this course is definitely not learning things from a book and reciting the information like a parrot, but rather applying yourself to dig deeper and expressing your own opinions and ideas.
I have been a Head Collegiate coach in the US for 17 years, have my "A" and NSCAA Premier. I have coached PDL and as well as been a State Director of Coaching. I found this course to be beneficial in so many ways and look to incorporate the information I learned on how to scout opponents and players.
I have been a Head Collegiate coach in the US for 17 years, have my "A" and NSCAA Premier. I have coached PDL and as well as been a State Director of Coaching. I found this course to be beneficial in so many ways and look to incorporate the information I learned on how to scout opponents and players.
This course opened up opportunities for me to network with people in the industry due to the weekly chats and the informational interviews. If you want to learn how to be a scout, this is the class to take!
This course opened up opportunities for me to network with people in the industry due to the weekly chats and the informational interviews. If you want to learn how to be a scout, this is the class to take!
It was a great experience that gives you the insight of the soccer operations and a starting point to get into the business!
It was a great experience that gives you the insight of the soccer operations and a starting point to get into the business!
It was a very good experience. Matt Martin was excellent and very easy to communicate with. I am glad I took the risk and did the soccer management and scouting course because the knowledge I gained is invaluable!
It was a very good experience. Matt Martin was excellent and very easy to communicate with. I am glad I took the risk and did the soccer management and scouting course because the knowledge I gained is invaluable!
I learned so much from Matt Martin during this course. Being able to learn first hand from some one currently working in the industry is so valuable. The weekly chats incorporated real scouting reports and game analysis. Such a great learning tool.
I learned so much from Matt Martin during this course. Being able to learn first hand from some one currently working in the industry is so valuable. The weekly chats incorporated real scouting reports and game analysis. Such a great learning tool.
I have taken courses all over the world, including national courses with USSF and FAI. I want to tell you the soccer management course is the best I have participated in. Not only did I learn a lot, I also had the opportunity to make several new contacts. The SMWW team was fantastic. They made themselves available throughout the course. I highly recommend this course to my friends and anyone who loves sports.
I have taken courses all over the world, including national courses with USSF and FAI. I want to tell you the soccer management course is the best I have participated in. Not only did I learn a lot, I also had the opportunity to make several new contacts. The SMWW team was fantastic. They made themselves available throughout the course. I highly recommend this course to my friends and anyone who loves sports.
SMWW helped me feel that I can achieve my dream to work in soccer area, I learned important things like how to do scouting reports; I met professional people who already work in big soccer clubs. I dreamed to work in sports career as a soccer agent and those things are achievable with SMWW!
SMWW helped me feel that I can achieve my dream to work in soccer area, I learned important things like how to do scouting reports; I met professional people who already work in big soccer clubs. I dreamed to work in sports career as a soccer agent and those things are achievable with SMWW!
The Soccer Management & Scouting Course helped me meet a diverse group of individuals that share the same goals and career objectives as I do; that created a learning atmosphere of mutual communication where students living far from my location provided feedback to any question that I had. SMWW empowered me to provide much more analytical opinions in my workplace, which I hope will translate into success on the field.
The Soccer Management & Scouting Course helped me meet a diverse group of individuals that share the same goals and career objectives as I do; that created a learning atmosphere of mutual communication where students living far from my location provided feedback to any question that I had. SMWW empowered me to provide much more analytical opinions in my workplace, which I hope will translate into success on the field.
I learned how to approach the game in a different way. Spectating is one thing, but analyzing a game is a whole other beast that I found very exciting! SMWW gives you some great tools for the game.
I learned how to approach the game in a different way. Spectating is one thing, but analyzing a game is a whole other beast that I found very exciting! SMWW gives you some great tools for the game.
At SMWW I have been taught to identify and explain all the hidden parts of the "Scouting World". It is without doubt that this course will help me pursue a scouting career.
At SMWW I have been taught to identify and explain all the hidden parts of the "Scouting World". It is without doubt that this course will help me pursue a scouting career.
The SMWW Soccer Scouting and Management course was extremely informative. The audio chats with Matt Martin made it all worth while but the assignments really force you to dig into the game and look at things from a different and more detailed point of view. The course work makes you really learn how hard you are willing to work to achieve success in the industry and is designed to give you the tools to do so!
The SMWW Soccer Scouting and Management course was extremely informative. The audio chats with Matt Martin made it all worth while but the assignments really force you to dig into the game and look at things from a different and more detailed point of view. The course work makes you really learn how hard you are willing to work to achieve success in the industry and is designed to give you the tools to do so!
Take this course, it gives you the tools needed to become a scout, working with the instructors gives you insight you won't get anywhere else!
Take this course, it gives you the tools needed to become a scout, working with the instructors gives you insight you won't get anywhere else!
This was a very insightful experience. The knowledge gained and shared over such a short period will surely prove invaluable in any future potential career opportunities.
This was a very insightful experience. The knowledge gained and shared over such a short period will surely prove invaluable in any future potential career opportunities.
Patrick Ayitey
Gretar Rafn Steinsson
Javier Alvial
David Kerr
Sean Morey
Paulo Nagamura
Bernardo Silva 
Brendan Keyes 
Andre Sherard
Steve Simmons
Fabian Banchiero
Chris Mattox
Salif Diao
Matt Martin
Pierre Alexander
