Professional Diploma in Football Scouting and Tactical Analysis

€ 1200 ​10 installments of 120

More Information

€ 1200

​10 installments of 120

Start date

Jan 10, 2026

Level: Introductory
Delivery mode:
Duration: 9 meses
Average dedication: 6/8 weekly hours
Delivered in: English

Description

The world of scouting is booming. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in its importance due to the growing attention that clubs are paying to the identification and evaluation of talent.
It is estimated that there are currently thousands of professionals around the world dedicated to scouting, working in elite clubs, youth divisions, and academies.

The figure of the scout is essential for any competitive football team. A scout observes and analyzes players, gathering crucial information for clubs, sporting directors, or academy managers. This analysis may include the assessment of potential signings or the monitoring of players on loan to other teams.

Scouts have an impact at all levels of football — from youth divisions to elite clubs. They are key figures in player recruitment, providing valuable information that supports market knowledge and decision-making in transfers.
Understanding what a scout does and learning the working methodology used by first-division clubs such as FC Barcelona allows anyone interested in professionalizing in this field to learn from the best and achieve outstanding results.

This program aims to introduce students to the world of football scouting. During the course, participants will learn:

What scouting is and the phases of the player recruitment process.

How to plan scouting activities according to different contexts.

Techniques to evaluate players and prepare detailed reports.

By the end of the program, students will acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to begin working as player scouts. The program is designed both for those already working in scouting who want to expand their knowledge, and for newcomers interested in entering the field or learning more about the football world.

EXPERT ADVISORS

Profesor

Dídac Soler
Analyst and Coordinator of the Scouting Training Department at FC Barcelona.
Profesor

Salva Grau Marqués
Salva Grau is a sports professional with solid experience in the development of educational projects, management of international academies, and leadership of sports programs. He currently leads the Training and Knowledge area at FC Barcelona, where he drives the global expansion of the Barça methodology. Previously, he held key roles as Director of Barça Academy in Hong Kong and was responsible for various internationalization programs across Asia, the Americas, and Europe. With a strategic vision and a focus on educational innovation, Salva has actively contributed to positioning the club as a global benchmark in sports training.
Profesor

Didac Vidal Monsech
Dídac Vidal Monsech is a professional with solid experience in finance and sustainability within the sports sector. He is currently part of the FC Barcelona team as a Financial Controller in the Strategy and Sustainability area, where he leads key projects related to ESG reporting, budgeting, and financial efficiency. A graduate in Business Administration and Management from the University of Barcelona, with a master’s degree in Corporate Finance, he combines technical expertise with strategic vision. His career includes roles in consulting and economic management, with a growing focus on sustainable transformation in high-performance sports environments.
Profesor

Miguel Ángel Catalán Lázaro
Miguel Ángel Catalán Lázaro is a national football coach with a UEFA A license and a degree in Tourism, with an outstanding track record of over 25 years in youth football development. Currently a scout for FC Barcelona since 2015, he previously spent a decade coaching in the youth ranks of Real Zaragoza, where he also served as coordinator of the football school and international manager for the club’s foundation. An entrepreneur in the sports and advertising sectors, he is the founder of the Yagger agency and the creator of major events such as the JamonCup and the training camps of Javi Martínez and Koke Resurrección. His profile combines technical expertise in scouting and coaching with a strategic vision for educational projects and the promotion of young talent.
Profesor

José Wanceulen Moreno
José Van Wanseele is a professional with over 15 years of international experience in the sports industry, specializing in business development, commercial management, and the international expansion of academies and sports brands. He currently leads strategic projects at FC Barcelona, where he has been responsible for the global growth of Barça Academy and the development of new markets. His profile combines a solid background in sports management with a business-oriented, results-driven mindset, standing out for his ability to forge international partnerships, create high-impact educational products, and strengthen the Barça brand on a global scale.
Profesor

Alberto Angelastri
Match Analyst at FC Barcelona.
Profesor

Joan Vicente Armengol
Analyst of the United Arab Emirates U23 team (UAEFA) and former member of the analysis department of FC Barcelona. Graduated in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences.
Profesor

Isidre Ramón Madir
Valencia CF assistant coach. Former assistant coach of Watford FC and of the FC Barcelona first football team.
Profesor

Jordi Pons Bolívar
Football Analyst at FC Barcelona.
Profesor

Bernardo Fuentes Martín
Former professional player for C.D. Eldense, F.C. Barcelona B, Cádiz C.F., Palamós C.F., Racing de Ferrol, Terrassa F.C. Former coach of Terrassa F.C., Ciudad de Murcia, C.F. Badalona Former scout for Málaga C.F. Currently a scout for F.C. Barcelona
Profesor

Xavier Miquel Pozo
Coordinator of Barça Escola Perfeccionament Catalunya (2015 – present) Coach and coordinator of Barça Camps in: USA, Japan, Denmark, Sweden, Bosnia, China, Mexico, Canada, Malaysia, England, Kazakhstan, Ecuador, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, among others (currently) Scout for the Technical Department of FC Barcelona’s youth academy (2007 – present)
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Module 1: Introduction to Scouting
Module 2: The Scout's Role and Responsibilities
Module 3: Core Principles of Scouting
Module 4: The Evolution of Scouting: Present and Future Perspectives

Module 1: Establishing Foundational Criteria and Player Profiles
Module 2: Evaluation, Monitoring, and Validation
Module 3: Proposal Development and Negotiation Strategies
Module 4: Player Adaptation

Module 1: General Planning
Module 2: Specific Planning
Module 3: Player Observation
Module 4: Player Evaluation and Data Acquisition

Module 1: Player Developmental Stages: Classification and Taxonomy
Module 2: Performance Factor Analysis Across Developmental Stages
Module 3: Talent Identification: Process Phases and Analytical Methods
Module 4: Talent Detection

Module 1: Principles of Effective Reporting
Module 2: Report Structure and Key Characteristics
Module 3: Report Writing
Module 4: Information Management and Organization

Module 1: Definition and evolution of the start phase and understanding general analysis criteria
Module 2: Study of the structural elements of the start phase
Module 3: Study of the dynamic elements of the start phase
Module 4: Statistical analysis, selection, and presentation of information

Module 1: The importance of Set Piece Actions (SPA) and introduction to their analysis
Module 2: Analysis of defensive SPAs
Module 3: Analysis of offensive SPAs
Module 4: Methodological trends in the training of SPAs

Module 1: High pressure in the defensive phase. Theoretical framework
Module 2: Most common defensive structures in high pressure in football
Module 3: Training methodology for high pressure in football
Module 4: Data for a good interpretation in the analysis of high pressure in football

Module 1: Introduction to video observation
Module 2: Observation in a training session
Module 3: Observation in competition matches
Module 4: Individual player observation

Learn to

  • Learn about the parameters and tactical elements of the game initiation phase.
  • Develop the ability to select, organize, and effectively transmit important information using technological tools.
  • Understand the importance of set piece actions in modern football.
  • Obtain resources and criteria to develop the analysis of this type of action.
  • Learn the most relevant theoretical and practical content for analyzing the high pressure phase in football.
  • Identify and recognizing different high pressure situations and proposing tasks for their training.
  • Learn a new observation methodology focused on youth football, covering training to matches.
  • Lean on the approach and practices of successful teams like FC Barcelona.
  • Incorporate the fundamentals of football scouting to successfully develop the activity.
  • Understand the methodology and phases of the scouting process.
  • Plan the season and work week based on the team's context.
  • Learn how to evaluate players
  • Understand the different types of reports and learning to produce a detailed player report.

Certify your skills

Thanks to our integration with remote supervision technologies, the Verified Certificate of Approval:

  • Guarantee transparency of the certification process.
  • Validates the identity of the certificate holder.
  • Accredits the acquisition of specific competencies and skills.

What does it include?

24-HOUR ACCESS TO STUDY MATERIAL, FROM ANYWHERE, ON ANY DEVICE
ACCOMPANIMENT, MONITORING AND VIRTUAL SUPPORT FROM AN EXPERT IN THE FIELD
ACTIVITIES AND ASSESSMENTS WITH PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
DISCUSSION FORUMS AND INTERACTION WITH COLLEAGUES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY BARÇA INNOVATION HUB AND ENDORSED BY THE CORRESPONDING INSTITUTION.
SELF-ASSESSMENT TO MEASURE YOUR LEARNING PROGRESS

Education

ALL PROGRAMS

​10 installments of 120

€ 1200