I enrolled on the SMWW Soccer Management & Scouting Course as I wanted an insider's perspective on the world of soccer. The course was very comprehensive, with weekly assignments covering key topics like the ethos & philosophy of a soccer club, different playing styles from around the globe, my own dream team, transfers, and the sport's relationship with the media. However, the main focus was on analysing a player from a set match, a team and a goalie in order to write a scouting report. This took up three weeks. The assignments were no push-over and I had to do a weekly study plan so as to submit them on time. Course resources were well written in clear & plain English, supported by diagrams.A DVD was also supplied for the scouting simulations. In addition there was a weekly chat session with a senior professional scout, Derek Bragg. Derek was able to answer any queries as well as give general support. He also kept us all on our toes with his questions! Despite the course expectations, I found following the course fun. In our interactive classroom there were students from America,Africa, Mainland Europe & the UK and it was interesting reading their postings and finding out about Football from different cultures. My footballing poems went down a treat,too! Now the exams are done & the course is over, its time to go out into the field and scout for real. Derek has offered follow-up support with this, & I now feel I have a good foundation, as well as having an insiders perspective on the world of soccer.