James Keith

Experienced and forward-thinking football professional with a proven background in talent identification, data-led recruitment, and player development across multiple levels of the game. Holding an MSc in Sports Directorship, I bring strategic insight into how recruitment aligns with broader club philosophy, performance goals, and sustainable growth. My career in recruitment — including work as a Recruitment Analyst — has equipped me with strong skills in data analysis, data visualisation, and video analysis, enabling evidence-based decision-making in player identification and squad planning.

Having also worked within a professional academy environment, I understand the importance of pathway development, player potential profiling, and integrating academy talent into first-team structures. My approach combines analytical research with football understanding to identify players who not only meet tactical requirements but also embody the club’s player profiles and developmental ethos.

Head of Community Football at Dundee FC Community Trust

• Strategic Development: Lead the planning and expansion of community football programmes, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and growth targets, including reaching and engaging over 1,500 participants each week.
• Programme Delivery Oversight: Design, implement, and monitor a diverse range of football sessions, including youth development, inclusive football, schools delivery, recreational leagues, and health & wellbeing initiatives.
• Staff & Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and manage a team of coaches and support staff to ensure high-quality, safe, and inclusive session delivery across all programmes.
• Partnership Building: Develop strong relationships with local authorities, schools, grassroots clubs, and funding bodies to support growth and secure access to facilities and resources.
• Impact Measurement & Reporting: Monitor participation data, feedback, and outcomes to assess impact, report to stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement across all areas of delivery.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure all programmes operate in line with safeguarding, health & safety, and governance standards.

Recruitment Analyst at Dundee Football Club

• Data Analysis & Insight Generation: Collect, manage, and interpret performance and scouting data to produce clear, actionable insights that support decision-making across the football department.
• Video Analysis of Players: Conduct detailed video analysis on potential signings and opposition players, providing objective evaluations aligned with the club’s recruitment criteria and playing philosophy.
• Infrastructure Development: Lead on the design and implementation of processes, tools, and reporting systems to establish the foundation of a new recruitment department.
• Scouting Network Support: Assist in identifying, coordinating, and supporting a structured scouting network, ensuring alignment between live scouting, data analysis, and video review.
• Collaboration & Integration: Work closely with coaches, scouts, and performance staff to ensure recruitment operations are fully integrated into the broader football strategy.

Academy Coach at Dundee Football Club

• Session Planning & Delivery: Design and deliver age-appropriate, high-quality training sessions in line with the club’s coaching curriculum and playing philosophy.
• Player Development: Support the holistic development of academy players – technically, tactically, physically, psychologically, and socially – ensuring progression through the development pathway.
• Matchday Coaching: Prepare and manage teams for competitive fixtures, providing tactical guidance, in-game feedback, and post-match analysis to support learning and development.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and record player development using individual learning plans, performance data, and coach observations to inform reviews and development plans.
• Safeguarding & Welfare: Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all players, adhering strictly to safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Communication & Reporting: Maintain clear and consistent communication with parents, players, and multidisciplinary staff, contributing to regular reviews and reports.

MSc in Sports Directorship – University Campus of Football Business

BSc in Sport and Psychology – Abertay University