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    Teams & Clubs: How to Scout and Sign Import Athletes and Coaches

    A practical framework for clubs looking to recruit international talent, from needs analysis to successful onboarding.

    1. Before Scouting: Define Your Real Needs

    Don't start scouting until you've answered these questions honestly:

    Roster needs:

  1. What specific roles do you need filled? (Starter? Depth? Specialist? Developmental?)
  2. What attributes are non-negotiable vs. nice-to-have?
  3. How many import slots does your league allow?

    4. Budget reality (total cost, not just salary):

  4. Salary / stipend
  5. Housing (furnished apartment, utilities, deposit)
  6. Travel (flights, local transport)
  7. Insurance (medical, liability)
  8. Visa processing fees
  9. Emergency fund for unexpected costs

    10. Timeline:

  10. When does your season start? Work backward from there.
  11. How long does visa processing take in your country?
  12. When do you need the athlete/coach integrated into team activities?

    13. 2. Scouting Framework (Works in Any Sport)

    Score every candidate on these six pillars:

    PillarWhat to Evaluate
    Role FitCan they play the specific role you need, not just "are they talented"?
    Performance LevelRecent form, not career highlights. What have they done in the last 6–12 months?
    Decision-Making / IQReads, spacing, timing, discipline, adaptability mid-game
    Character + ProfessionalismEffort, recovery after mistakes, leadership style, punctuality
    Health & AvailabilityInjury history, current fitness, expected availability
    AdaptabilityCan they handle a new culture, language, and living situation?

    Scoring tip: Use a 1–5 scale for each pillar. Set a minimum threshold (e.g., no candidate below 3 on any pillar). This prevents you from signing a "talented" player who fails on adaptability or character.

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    3. Due Diligence (Non-Negotiable)

    Before making any offer:

    Multiple video calls. Not just text or email. See and hear the person.
    References from previous clubs/coaches. Call them, don't just email
    Verify film is current and authentic. Ask for game footage from the current season
    Medical history. Request a recent physical (where legal and appropriate)
    Clear written offer sheet. Before any verbal commitments

    Questions to ask references:

  13. How was their attitude during difficult stretches?
  14. Were there any off-field issues?
  15. Would you sign them again? Why or why not?
  16. How did they handle being away from home?

    17. Red flags in candidates:

  17. Reluctance to provide references
  18. Film that doesn't match claimed level of play
  19. Evasiveness about past clubs or reasons for leaving
  20. Pressure to finalize quickly without proper vetting

    21. 4. Contract Clarity Protects Everyone

    Every import contract should clearly include:

  21. Compensation: Exact amount, currency, payment dates, method
  22. Housing: Address or standard provided, furnished/unfurnished, utilities
  23. Duration: Start date, end date, option for renewal
  24. Expectations: Training schedule, match obligations, team rules
  25. Performance standards: What defines "acceptable" performance?
  26. Medical: Who pays for treatment, rehab, and insurance?
  27. Termination: Conditions for release (both sides), notice period, financial implications
  28. Travel: Who pays for arrival/departure flights?

    29. Best practice: Use a bilingual contract (club's language + athlete/coach's language). Have both parties sign both versions.

    Legal note: Consider having a sports lawyer review the contract, especially for higher-value signings or first-time imports.

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    5. Onboarding Is Your Competitive Advantage

    The best clubs win imports not with money alone, but with support. The first 14 days determine success.

    Pre-arrival (before they land):

  29. Airport pickup arranged
  30. Housing ready and stocked (basics: towels, bedding, kitchen supplies)
  31. SIM card / phone plan arranged
  32. Local area guide (grocery, transport, emergency contacts)

    33. Week 1:

  33. Assign a teammate mentor/buddy (ideally someone who speaks their language or has import experience)
  34. Complete all paperwork (registration, insurance, bank account)
  35. Tour the city: training facility, grocery store, hospital, public transport
  36. First team meal together

    37. Week 2:

  37. Structured integration into team tactics and playing style
  38. 1-on-1 meeting with coaching staff to align on expectations
  39. Weekly check-in schedule established
  40. Performance plan discussed and agreed upon

    41. Ongoing:

  41. Monthly check-ins (personal and professional)
  42. Language support if needed
  43. Regular communication about timeline and expectations
  44. Create a culture where imports feel comfortable raising concerns early

    45. Have Questions?

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