IPSO returns to the Stadium of Light

Foundation of Light will welcome aspiring football scouts from across the globe for the latest Scouting and Analysis course delivered by the International Professional Scouting Organisation. The two-day course, on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December, provides the essential skills required to become a professional football scout and will see delegates take part in interactive workshops and lectures, using the Black Cats’ English Football League clash with Fulham as a live exam. The course will delve into key areas vitally important to football scouting such as match preparation, statistics, match analysis, team reporting, tactics and formations.

We are very proud to partner with Foundation of Light once again to deliver our Scouting and Analysis course. The Stadium of Light is a brilliant venue due to its amazing facilities and taking in a live game is perfect preparation for our students. I do believe it's the best place we’ve delivered the course.

Kamil Potrykus, Managing Director at IPSO

Developed by experienced scouts and education specialists, the programme is relevant for anyone who likes football or sport, wants to increase their knowledge and those already working as coaches, scouts or journalists. Colin Chambers, IPSO Education Director, added: "I would suggest anybody who wants to improve their knowledge of football attends the course. "The course can help you become a professional football scout but it can also benefit school teachers, coaches, and those in the media." Previous courses have been attended by Academy and recruitment staff from Champions League winners FC Porto as well as Panathinaikos, Leicester City, Stoke City and Hull City. Speaking after the previous course in March, Andy Kidby, Opposition Analysist at Stoke City, said: "The attention to detail is absolutely fantastic and I've definitely learned a few new things. "I would recommend the course to anyone who is thinking of getting into football and even to experienced scouts." Graduates have gone on to work at professional football clubs; within sports departments at colleges and universities; in media and journalism; and at sports management companies. Chris McMahon, Foundation of Light Football Scholarship Tutor, said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with IPSO and welcome them back to the Stadium of Light. "March's course was hugely successful with delegates from all over the world attending, including coaches and scouts from European clubs. "Our partnership has been hugely beneficial and our staff are looking forward to increasing their knowledge and insight into the professional game even further." There are no formal entry requirements for the IPSO Level 1 programme.