LA Rams start scouting apprenticeship for minorities, women

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) - The Los Angeles Rams have started a scouting apprenticeship program designed to boost the aspirations of minority and female candidates for football scouting jobs.

The Rams announced the creation of the program Tuesday, along with the selection of its first 10 participants.

The team says the apprentice scouts will get 'œexperiential training, one-on-one mentorship and networking opportunities through virtual summits" from August until the 2021 NFL draft.

The participants will be involved in the Rams' actual scouting activities while working with the team's football operations personnel and other advisors. Rams general manager Les Snead says the program is about providing access and opportunity for minorities and women at the highest levels of football.

'œWe have to be intentional in identifying, developing and advising these young men and women and offer hands-on experience and mentorship from scouts and personnel professionals at the highest level of sports,'ť Snead said. "It is imperative for us to spend the necessary time to build a successful, ongoing program that will widen the pool of candidates to be the personnel leaders of tomorrow.'ť

The Rams held virtual interviews to choose the 10 participants in the program. The advisors in the program include Rams senior scouting executive Brian Xanders, director of pro scouting Ray Agnew and the Rams' directors of scouting strategy, college scouting and draft management.

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