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Aston Villa's Kenyan analyst accepted into rare UEFA program
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 04.10.25. | 19:02
The former Kariobangi Sharks goalkeepers' coach expressed his delight in joining the program, noting that it promises to be an impactful venture
Kenyan analyst Naythan Kariuki, who plies his trade with English Premier League (EPL) club Aston Villa, is one of the 35 people who have been accepted into one of the rare programs by UEFA.
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Kariuki was appointed as a First Team Recruitment Analyst in August 2024 as the club made a return to the UEFA Champions League.
The Kenyan, who has had a great career progression that has led him to his current work station, broke the good news through his LinkedIn profile.
“Excited to share that I've been accepted onto the UEFA Elite Scout Programme (UEFA Academy), beginning Tuesday in London.
It's a small cohort, and I feel truly honoured to be included,” reads part of the post.
According to UEFA, the ESP is an international foundational program for professional scouts in the football industry.
The program, which is offered by the UEFA Academy, takes three months and provides current and future scouts with all the latest tools needed to work at the highest levels.
The former Kariobangi Sharks goalkeepers' coach expressed his delight in joining the program, noting that it promises to be an impactful venture.
“I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the game and gain insight into different perspectives and processes.
From the conversations already happening in the group, the diverse mix of backgrounds, including former players, heads of recruitment, coaches and data-driven scouts, promises to make this a fantastic learning environment.
Looking forward to bringing fresh ideas back to my work at Aston Villa Football Club,” he added.
Kariuki, who previously worked for Oxford United and AC Horsens, went ahead to share his letter of confirmation from UEFA.
“Thank you for your application to the UEFA ELITE SCOUT PROGRAMME (UEFA ESP), which the selection committee has reviewed with great interest.
We have the pleasure to inform you that your application has been successful, and you have been selected to take part in the 2025 UEFA ELITE SCOUT PROGRAMME, starting in October 2025,” reads the letter.
To register, applicants must pay a mandatory fee of £7,900 (approximately Ksh1.2 million).
