Meet the Mentors Supporting Our Interns Every Step of the Way
Sam O`Sullivan Barker
Sam is the Chief Executive Officer of The FSC and brings a wealth of global scouting experience to the role. Over the years, he has worked with clubs and national teams across multiple continents, including Odense Boldklub, Northampton Town, Peterborough United, Stranraer, FC Dinamo Tbilisi, Vélez Club de Fútbol, and the Samoan National Team. His diverse background reflects a deep understanding of the global game. Sam currently applies his expertise as a scout for both Serbian side Javor Ivanjica and Australian club Eastern Lions, continuing to bridge international football networks and talent pathways.
Jonathan Craig Watson
Jonathan Craig is the Chief Operating Officer at The FSC. Though relatively new to the football industry, his progression has been swift. He began his journey at Eastern Lions under Sam’s leadership, starting as a video scout before quickly rising to the role of lead scout. His strong scouting skills and leadership qualities soon earned him a position as a mentor within the FSC. Jonathan also brings a valuable background in coaching and teaching, which adds depth to his role and enhances his ability to support aspiring scouts on their development pathway.
Owen Cowell
Owen is the Scouting Coordinator of The FSC and is a fantastic example of the opportunities available through The FSC pathway. Owen joined our programme in its very early stages and quickly stood out for his work ethic and natural talent in writing high-quality scouting reports. His dedication earned him a promotion to mentor, and now, he’s gone even further, taking on the role of Head of Scouting at Eastern Lions and joining the management team at The FSC.
Kwesi Appiah
Kwesi is currently serving as an academy scout for Crystal Palace, bringing both insight and experience from an impressive playing career. His professional journey includes spells at clubs including Crystal Palace, AFC Wimbledon, Crawley Town, and his current club, Ebbsfleet United. Adding to his credentials, Kwesi is also a former Ghanaian international — a testament to his high-level playing pedigree and deep understanding of the game.
Ben Gascoigne
Ben is a highly experienced football scout with a proven track record across multiple levels of the game. His career has included key scouting roles with Odense Boldklub, Plymouth Argyle, the Southampton Academy, and most recently, Blackburn Rovers. Ben’s broad experience across both domestic and international football environments reflects his deep understanding of player identification and development.