Course Overview:

Step into the fast-paced world of global football with SMWW’s Soccer Management & Scouting Course, led by two accomplished professionals: Gordon Klestan, Vice President of Soccer Operations at LA Galaxy, and Vassili Cremanzidis, Head Sporting Strategist for the San Jose Earthquakes. With years of experience across MLS and international soccer, they bring real-world insight into player evaluation, team operations, and front office strategy. This course provides aspiring professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how to scout, analyze, and manage talent at the highest levels of the game.

What You’ll Learn:

• Player Evaluation and Scouting: Master the core skills of identifying, analyzing, and reporting on soccer talent using both traditional methods and modern tools.

• Match Analysis: Learn how to break down game film, recognize patterns of play, and assess team performance through tactical and technical lenses.

• Team Building Strategies: Understand the inner workings of club operations, including roster construction, scouting networks, and how clubs identify players who fit their playing philosophy.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Explore how modern analytics are used in scouting and player recruitment, and how data complements traditional eye-test scouting.

• Global Scouting Networks: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how international player markets are monitored and how clubs navigate transfer windows, agents, and player movement.

• Understanding the Soccer Ecosystem: Dive into the structure of global soccer, including leagues, governing bodies, and how management decisions affect club success both on and off the field.

Why Learn from Gordon Kljestan and Vassili Cremanzidis:

Gordon Klestan brings extensive experience from his leadership role at LA Galaxy, where he oversees player personnel decisions, scouting initiatives, and soccer operations. His career path—from player to executive—gives students valuable perspective on how clubs operate internally and the traits they value in players and staff alike. With deep ties across MLS and international soccer, Kljestan delivers relevant, up-to-date knowledge from inside the front office.

Vassili Cremanzidis offers unmatched expertise in modern scouting and sporting strategy. As Head Sporting Strategist for the San Jose Earthquakes, he integrates analytics, performance data, and tactical insights to support decision-making at all levels of club operations. His approach reflects the evolving role of data and analytics in soccer and provides students with a future-forward view of the sport.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring soccer scouts and analysts

• Individuals seeking front office roles in professional soccer

• Coaches and players looking to transition into management

• Fans passionate about the strategy and business of the game

• Students exploring global soccer careers

Course Highlights:

• Live Instruction: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Gordon Kljestan and Vassili Cremanzidis, including Q&A and career guidance.

• Practical Assignments: Conduct match analysis, write scouting reports, and evaluate players using both video and data-driven methods.

• Industry Networking: Connect with soccer executives, scouts, and SMWW alumni working at clubs around the world.

• Career Insights: Learn how to break into the industry, build a professional network, and position yourself for roles in scouting or club operations.

• Real-World Learning: Understand how clubs assess players and make key decisions that shape rosters and team performance.

Get Started:

Begin your path toward a career in professional soccer management and scouting. For more information and to enroll, visit the SMWW Soccer Management and Scouting Course page.