World's BIGGEST Clubs are AFRAID to SCOUT Where He Goes | Harry Varley, Pro Football Scout in Africa

Welcome to Episode #13 of the Because Football Podcast presented by Transform Soccer. Our guest is Harry Varley, previous the Head Africa Scout for KAA Gent of the Belgian Pro League, and now an independent African and Caribbean football expert. You will have a tough time finding a more well-rounded, cultured person in the game! As a native of Leeds, England, Harry saw firsthand of football can impact a community. His passion for following Leeds United gave birth to a dream of impacting communities and changing lives through the beautiful game. Over the past 15 years, Harry has held many titles in as many as 11 different countries. From coaching in social programs and NGOs in Mexico, New Zealand, and the UK, to working as Youth Academy Director for a professional club in Cambodia, Harry's journey has given him exposure to the many ways the game can impact people, and how young people can (or are not able to) benefit from football and climb the ladder to a better life. In his current role as Head Scout of Africa for KAA Gent, Harry is going to the places where no one is willing to - or has even heard of. The club's decision to invest in scouring Africa for talent was heavily influenced by the recent success of club striker Gift Orban, who went from being scouted at a showcase tournament in Nigeria to being one of Tottenham's top targets to replace Harry Kane in JUST 2 YEARS! From obscurity to the top level in the blink of an eye. And Harry and KAA Gent believe that Orban is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to talent. Harry's looking for the diamonds in the rough who can be the next global star, and is hoping to give opportunities to players in places that modern football has turned its back on. Harry's first experience in Africa was a Technical Director for Football for good, a residential talent academy in Uganda. He was also Head Coach of a 2nd division team in Rwanda, as well as a Coach at Right to Dream, a Ghana-based academy that has developed dozens of professional men's and women's players through their approach. This episode is an intriguing dive into the daily life of a scout - away from the glitz and glamour of top flight European football. Harry shares insights into what he looks for in players, how he develops relationships with an influential network of clubs, agents, and persons of interest. One of the most striking parts of our conversation was the lack of clear, organized opportunities for talented young players and the fact that such a massive of talent is left unsupported, ultimately squandered by inertia and the economic and social stresses of everyday life. You can learn more about Harry Varley on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile Find out more about our Transform Soccer programs here: WebsiteInstagramConnect on LinkedIn