Scouting in women’s football remains an underdeveloped area, with a shortage of trained professionals and limited resources in many clubs. Dean Gibson, head of recruitment for Southampton’s women’s team, is leading an initiative aimed at changing this through the Starling Bank Scout School, a training program now in its second edition. In 2024, it had 15 participants, and in 2025 it has grown to 20, with a notable increase in applications: from 115 to 160. The goal is clear — to train scouts not only for Southampton, but for the entire British women’s football ecosystem.

According to Gibson, many clubs prioritize hiring coaches, assistants, and medical staff, leaving scouting as an afterthought. However, he insists it is time to develop this area as a new branch of the club. “The women’s football ecosystem will only continue to improve,” he says, believing that developing more scouts will help discover talents that could benefit clubs in the long term. The model is meant to be replicated by other institutions to raise the overall level of competition.

Hands-on training and a focus on development

The course lasts 15 weeks and combines theory and practice, with a strong focus on data analysis and direct player observation. Participants complete weekly assignments, learn to write technical reports, and study specific positions on the field. They also assess the performance of young prospects from Southampton’s youth academy and work with the club’s sports scientists and analysts.

Although data is a valuable tool, Gibson notes that in women’s football it is still not available with the same accuracy as in the men’s game — especially outside top-tier clubs. That’s why live observation remains essential. “We are seeing good results, but a lot of manual work is still required,” he acknowledges. With this initiative, Southampton is not only strengthening its internal structure but also aiming to build a stronger foundation for the future of women’s football.