A promotional image for the SHOWBOAT app for Player Profiles displaying four different mobile screens. The first screen shows the profile of Olivia Weedall, a Free Agent from Liverpool, UK, who plays Left Midfield, with a profile picture and a video player. The second screen shows the 'Create Post' feature, allowing the user to add content, text ("Come work & control skills"), and categorise the post with tags like "Training," "Gameday," or "Skill." It also has an option to pin the highlight. The third screen displays the Player Bio section, where Olivia describes herself as a "creative attacking midfielder" and mentions her experience at a competitive level for the past three years, starting at Everton and Liverpool youth teams. Her past clubs listed are London Bees (2019-2021) and Milton Keynes Dons Women (2017-2018). The fourth screen shows the Highlights section with video thumbnails categorised as Training and Gameplay. The image illustrates the app's comprehensive features for football players to manage their profiles, upload content, write bios, and showcase highlights.
Photo: Showboat

Changing the Game: Could new app Showboat be the future of scouting in women’s football?

Aimee Butler

Despite the development of women’s football, with world-class players, record-breaking transfers and dedicated social media teams, the game is still in its early stages in comparison to men’s football. So far, it could be argued that the women’s game has largely developed out of necessity: roles such as managers, assistant managers, and physios are essential to get a team on the pitch. But as we see women’s football continue its upward trajectory, the focus is shifting to filling the gaps that will allow the game to grow beyond basic functionality. 

One of these gaps is scouting, and new app Showboat is trying to change the game.

Showboat is a football talent platform designed to help players be both discovered and discoverable. It provides a space for aspiring players of all backgrounds and all levels to showcase their skills, and for clubs to find the next wave of talent. 

It works by players creating a profile that includes their club history, bio-metrics, and a highlight reel featuring clips of their skills, training sessions, and matches. Clubs can then search for players, filtering based on their recruitment criteria, and reach out directly. The app also acts as a communication hub, where players and clubs can liaise about trials and future plans.

The app has secured partnerships with a range of clubs and teams, including Reading FC Women, AFC Welwyn, and Berks & Bucks FA. These collaborations reflect Showboat’s core aim: breaking down barriers in football talent discovery. From regional and grassroots organisations to elite women’s teams, the app is using tech to help shape a more accessible and inclusive future for football. Showboat are now actively onboarding clubs, with several from the Premier League, Championship and the EFL soon to be joining the platform.

While Showboat seeks to remove obstacles to talent discovery across the board, it stands to be a particularly transformative tool for the women’s game. Only a handful of the big clubs, such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United are able to heavily invest in their scouting and analysis departments. For most other women’s teams, budgets simply do not stretch that far. The focus of energy and resources, understandably, remains on playing and staff budgets. This is where smart, user-friendly, data-driven apps like Showboat come into their own. 

Whether a player is based in a small, rural town, plays at a lesser-known club, or is an unsigned talent looking for opportunities, Showboat offers a platform for footballing potential to be seen. No talent unnoticed.

For players, the app represents a democratisation of football recruitment, where all players, particularly those in women’s football, have the opportunity to be discovered, regardless of location and level.

For clubs, it’s a glimpse to the future. An innovative, efficient way for coaches and clubs to identify and interact with emerging talent, and support the continued growth of women’s football.

If you’re a player, download Showboat (currently available on the App Store and Google Play Store) and create your profile. Start showcasing your skills and take your next step in the beautiful game. This is your chance to be part of a platform that is redefining how football talent is discovered. Could you be next?

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Beyond the Pitch - Changing the Game: Could new app Showboat be the future of scouting in women’s football?