Learn How to Identify & Develop Soccer Talent Worldwide
In just eight weeks, you can learn the art of identifying & developing the rising stars of soccer around the world, straight from Nashville SC Academy Scout, Matt Martin.
To enhance your soccer career and advance your knowledge of developing talent, our 8-week online Soccer Player Development course will take you to the next level. Taught by Nashville SC Academy Scout Matt Martin, you’ll be shown how to identify youth soccer players, what pathways they take from academy to first-team, and the role of the academy.
NEXT START DATE: February 16 Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Chats with Matt Martin
NEXT START DATE: February 16 Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Chats with Matt Martin
Why our Soccer Player Development Course is right for you
The development of soccer players starts at a younger and younger age each year, which means the need to identify players who can be the next super-stars is always growing. Youth Academies are the lifeblood of a club and their impacts can be felt for decades at the First-Team level.
FC Barcelona’s La Masia, Athletic Bilbao’s Cantera, Ajax Youth Team, and Philadelphia Union’s Academy, are all prime examples of the power to identify young talent and develop them into stars.
At SMWW, you'll learn how to identify the rising soccer stars of tomorrow!
Led by Nashville SC Academy Scout Scout Matt Martin, our 8-week online course is a one-of-a-kind experience to learn the art of identifying soccer talent.
Unlike most online classes, we focus our program on interactive Zoom video chats directly with Matt Martin and fellow students, which allows you the opportunity to build personal relationships and rapport with these successful soccer industry leaders. After completing our Soccer Player Development course, we will help you redesign your resume to highlight your new skills and include that you have been taught first-hand by Matt Martin. Now that is powerful!
Soccer Player Development Course Breakdown
Here is what you can look forward to learning about over the eight weeks in our course!
Week 1: Introduction to Talent Identification and Player Analysis Week 2: Qualities Scouts and Coaches Look For in Players Week 3: The Role of Academies in Talent Identification Week 4: Academy Structures by Country Week 5: Lessons for the world’s best academies Week 6: Player Pathway Studies: From Academy to First Team Week 7: Talent Identification Biases Week 8: Putting it all together
Matt Martin is an Academy Scout for Nashville SC along with Phil Zayas under Academy Head Scout Peter Rivard and the guidance of Darren Powell, Nashville’s transformative Academy Director. A passionate and dedicated Scout, Matt reflects Nashville SC’s vision for Elite Player Identification and Development. Matt’s scouting is closely aligned to Nashville SC’s overarching club philosophy. Guidance begins with Mike Jacobs and Chance Myers and reflects BJ Callaghan’s vision. Head Scout Luke Sassano, Scouting Mgr Jack Shaw and Director of Methodology Rumba Munthali shape the pro pathway for discoveries, and Peter Rivard executes the daily battle rhythm with exceptional focus on the needs of the club and the opportunities presented by the players identified by the Scouting Staff.
Matt has performed Academy Scouting roles for top academies: Real Salt Lake, Columbus Crew & San Jose Earthquakes. He also works with Spain's Eture Sports and Valenica CF (Canada) where he continues to develop his scouting methodology. Matt's scouting has included 9 trips to Europe in the last 7 years including Spain, France, Austria, Germany and Sweden seeking understanding to aid development of the talent in his home region of Northern California.
In 2018 Matt co-founded The Soccer Syndicate with Joey Yusunas & Scott Rezendes. The Syndicate provide a wide array of scouting services, including player ID U12 - U23, and MLS SuperDraft prep.
Matt instructs SMWW's course on Talent ID and Development and is an advocate of establishing Scouting Methodology that pivots off of Game Model. Matt's pathway: The Scouting Network, London, from 2007-09 under Derek Bragg, Mid-Atlantic Regional Scout, NYRB, (Dec 2008 - Jun 2011) under Jeff Agoos, Aug 2011 to Jan 2015: Sporting KC, under John Pascarella & Peter Vermes. 2015 to 2019 Domestic Scout for Portland Timbers FC w Gavin Wilkinson. In 2018-20, The Soccer Syndicate's initial contracts with RSL and San Antonio led to many player discoveries and the creation of an effective scouting network during a tumultuous time in US Youth Soccer's history. From 2021 through May 2023: Academy & College Scout for the San Jose Earthquakes under Bruno Costa (Brazil FA).
Matt is a retired USAF Major w 32 years service. He carried a TS/SCI clearance as a NetOps analyst and Inspector. Prior roles included Air Traffic Controller, Air Traffic Control Ops Chief, Airspace Mgr, & Comms & Cyberspace Officer (Master level).
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, the president and founder of SMWW, has over 40 years of combined experience as a Sports Agent, Educator, Coach, Scout, and NCAA Athletic Director. Dr. Lashbrook manages the SMWW Agency representing over 200 Agent Advisors and athletes worldwide including EPL and MLS clients. Lynn led the Oregon lobbying efforts that resulted in a $150 million construction bill for a new stadium in Portland. Due to this campaign, a 25,000-seat stadium in the heart of the city was revitalized rather than torn down, now home to the MLS Portland Timbers.
What Happens After I Complete the Course?
Upon successful graduation from the Soccer Player Development course you'll have many options:
Become an SMWW Scout:
Graduates will be invited to join SMWWscouts.com, our network of professional scouts working across all sports and in all countries.
You will advertise yourself as a certified scout and trained evaluator. Teams, coaches, and agents use this service to find qualified talent evaluators in areas they need them.
We become your match-makers!
The site will include your own webpage with your picture and biography and samples of your best scouting reports. As a graduate of the Soccer Player Development course, you are eligible to apply for acceptance as an SMWW scout and be featured on this website free!
Work for a Team:
Our goal is to see all Soccer Player Development graduates gainfully employed in soccer worldwide. Our team at SMWW will customize a soccer portfolio to assist you with your career in soccer.
Through our extensive network of professional and collegiate soccer teams and organizations worldwide, our objective is to prepare you for when the right job opportunities become available. Numerous people that have gone through our programs are now employed in great positions and you could do the same. We want to help you launch your soccer career and help you find a position where you can be the most successful and satisfied.
Course Certificate:
Successful graduates of the Sports Management Worldwide courses will be sent an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment. This certificate represents not only your achievements in the course but also demonstrates your personal commitment to self-improvement and the ability to "self-train" yourself for higher positions within the sports business industry.
In addition to your certificate, you will be given the stamp of approval by SMWW.
Resume Redesign Service
Acquiring the skills necessary for your dream sports career is only one part of the employment journey. Even with the required skill set, you still have to market yourself properly to attract the attention of sports industry employers.
At SMWW, we’ll teach you the skills you need to thrive AND help you redesign your resume for optimal impact in the sports industry. We’ll help you craft a resume to highlight your new skills in the Soccer Player Development course including a reference from Matt Martin and Dr. Lashbrook while optimizing it to reach hiring managers searching online.
We want you to become the next SMWW success story and will go to great lengths to help you get there!
Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats: A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive Zoom video chats with fellow students, Liam Ridgewell, Dr. Lashbrook, SMWW mentors, SMWW agents, certified agents in all sports, professional athletes, and renowned guest speakers. This is a tremendous opportunity to network within the professional and collegiate sports industry by getting to know your instructors and fellow students personally via the Internet. This allows ample opportunity to network, ask questions, and discuss aspects of the course openly with instructors and classmates. The interactive Zoom video chats are available via any online computer with a microphone. If you are unable to attend the chats, they are archived and you can listen at a more convenient time. These chats are so popular that graduates continue to come back and participate to enhance their opportunities.
Online Education: This innovative academic course is facilitated through a Web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy 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 for a successful career as a sports agent.
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 head coaches, GMs, player personnel, scouts, and fellow sports agents are facilitated. Visit SMWW Sports Career Conferences to learn more. SMWW alumni receive discounts.
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.
FIFA Agent Prep Course, in just eight weeks, you will be fully prepared to ace the 2026 FIFA Certification Exam. Experienced FIFA Agents will guide you through the process so you can pass and begin your career as a soccer agent!
Learn scouting & organizational abilities needed to launch your career as a soccer scout anywhere in the world. Success stories include EPL & MLS scouts at the highest level.
Thank you! We will let you know as soon as course dates are announced!
Success Stories
Bernardo Silva
California Polytechnic State University, Assc. Head Coach & Recruiting Coord.
Sam Marich
DC United Performance Analyst
Javier Alvial
Portland Timbers Scouting & Recruitment Manager
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Matt Martin is an Academy Scout for Nashville SC along with Phil Zayas under Academy Head Scout Peter Rivard and the guidance of Darren Powell, Nashville’s transformative Academy Director. A passionate and dedicated Scout, Matt reflects Nashville SC’s vision for Elite Player Identification and Development. Matt’s scouting is closely aligned to Nashville SC’s overarching club philosophy. Guidance begins with Mike Jacobs and Chance Myers and reflects BJ Callaghan’s vision. Head Scout Luke Sassano, Scouting Mgr Jack Shaw and Director of Methodology Rumba Munthali shape the pro pathway for discoveries, and Peter Rivard executes the daily battle rhythm with exceptional focus on the needs of the club and the opportunities presented by the players identified by the Scouting Staff. 
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, the president and founder of SMWW, has over 40 years of combined experience as a Sports Agent, Educator, Coach, Scout, and NCAA Athletic Director. Dr. Lashbrook manages the SMWW Agency representing over 200 Agent Advisors and athletes worldwide including EPL and MLS clients. Lynn led the Oregon lobbying efforts that resulted in a $150 million construction bill for a new stadium in Portland. Due to this campaign, a 25,000-seat stadium in the heart of the city was revitalized rather than torn down, now home to the MLS Portland Timbers.
Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats: A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive Zoom video chats with fellow students, Liam Ridgewell, Dr. Lashbrook, SMWW mentors, SMWW agents, certified agents in all sports, professional athletes, and renowned guest speakers. This is a tremendous opportunity to network within the professional and collegiate sports industry by getting to know your instructors and fellow students personally via the Internet. This allows ample opportunity to network, ask questions, and discuss aspects of the course openly with instructors and classmates. The interactive Zoom video chats are available via any online computer with a microphone. If you are unable to attend the chats, they are archived and you can listen at a more convenient time. These chats are so popular that graduates continue to come back and participate to enhance their opportunities. 
Online Education: This innovative academic course is facilitated through a Web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy 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 for a successful career as a sports agent.
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. 
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 head coaches, GMs, player personnel, scouts, and fellow sports agents are facilitated. Visit 
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 
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 
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.
Bernardo Silva 
Sam Marich
Javier Alvial