Scott Allison

Academy Director, Dundee United

Greater Glasgow Area

About

Scott has gained over twenty five years of experience in professional football and the wider sports industry. In his career path to date, Scott has worked full time in three different countries for clubs in the English Premier League, Scottish Premiership, Scottish Championship and United Soccer League (USA) becoming skilled and experienced in leadership, coaching, talent development and football operations. He has been appointed and trusted by reputable, high performing people to hold key roles that have included: • Academy director of two Scottish professional clubs. • Head of youth development phase at an English premier league ‘Category One’ academy. • Professional development phase coach (U18-U21) at English premier league and Scottish Premiership clubs. • Interim first team management on two occasions in the Scottish Championship. • Senior football development officer for a national governing body (Scottish FA). • Director of coaching in the United States of America. • Head coach in the USL league two (USA). • Senior sports development, leadership and management roles. With a proven record of success developing people, projects and partnerships he has gained respect and developed a trusted network of contacts in elite football environments. Scott is also committed to his continuous professional development and has obtained a wide range of qualifications and accreditation including: UEFA A Licence, UEFA Elite Youth A Licence, USSF Director of Coaching Licence, SFA Advanced Youth Licence, SFA Advanced Children’s Licence, SFA Talent ID Award and BA Leisure Management. Scott is a member of the League Coaches Association (LCA).

Experience

  • Academy Director at Dundee United Football Club
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

    • Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the academy • Work closely with the club senior leadership team • Identify and develop talent, operating within a structured and modern coaching programme. • Strong focus on individual development (players, staff and interns) • Manage football operations and financial matters to ensure the academy's sustainability and success. • Foster strong relationships with external partners • Oversee strategic partnerships with education service providers, including our club performance school at Baldragon Academy. • Liaise with the national governing body on key matters including governance, club licensing, player registrations, safeguarding and national team player pathways •Involvement in governing body working groups to shape the future of the national professional academy system

  • Professional Development Phase Coach & Head of Youth Development Phase at Nottingham Forest FC
    Aug 2023 - Oct 2024 · 1 yr 3 mos

    • Oversaw the youth development phase (YDP) at Nottingham Forest FC, managing a multidisciplinary team of elite coaches, medical, performance and recruitment staff. • Coached within the professional development phase (PDP) working with young players in the transition phase, U18, U21 and first team players being prepared for loans. • Worked closely with full-time professional players and scholars to enhance performance, preparation for first team football and readiness for loan opportunities. • Close relationships with the player care, education, operations and training ground staff to ensure a co-ordinated, player centred approach whilst maintaining EPPP standards across all activity.

  • Director of Coaching/ USL 2 Coach at Sporting Jax Soccer Academy
    Sep 2021 - Aug 2023 · 2 yrs

    • Head coach of USL League two men’s team for two seasons • Director of coaching for the youth program in USA

  • Partick Thistle Football Club (Full-time · 8 yrs 4 mos)
    • Academy Director
      May 2018 - Sep 2021 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      • Academy Director with responsibility for the leadership and management of the academy. • Notable players recruited and developed at the academy ready for first team selection included James Penrice (AEK Athens), Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen), Aidan Fitzpatrick and Ben Stanway (Partick Thistle first team).

    • Interim First Team Management
      Oct 2019 - Nov 2019 · 2 mos

      • Second spell as part of an interim management team leading the first team in the Scottish Championship.

    • Interim First Team Management
      Oct 2018 - Nov 2018 · 2 mos

      • Part of an interim management team leading the first team in the Scottish Championship during a period of managerial transition.

  • Youth Coach at St Mirren Football Club
    Aug 2009 - May 2013 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    • First connection with St Mirren was as a youth playing for St Mirren FCBC. • In 2009-2010 joined the St Mirren FC academy as a youth coach at a time where a number of top players were developed to become first team and scotland national team players. • In 2010 returned to Rangers FC for a season to contribute to the development of a new football structure at the club for girls and women’s football. • Decided to return back to Mens/ Youth football in 2011 and returned to a coaching role at St Mirren until 2013 when offered an opportunity to build a new academy for Partick Thistle FC.