Parents

A parent's guide to football representation.

You are the most important people in your child’s career. A good agent never replaces you — he works for you.

For players under 18, FIFA’s agent regulations set hard limits. An agent may only approach a youth player — or you as parents — once the player is within six months of the age at which he can sign a professional contract in his country, and only with your prior written consent. Verbal consent is not enough. Representing minors also requires a dedicated FIFA training module, and national rules can be stricter still. A serious agency knows all of this and works inside it.

Watch for the warning signs: promises of transfers, pressure to sign quickly, vague answers about fees, or agents who contact your child directly instead of you. None of those come from serious people.

Ask direct questions. Who else do you represent? How do you earn your money? What happens if my child’s development stalls? What does it cost to walk away? An honest agency welcomes all of them.

And take your time. The right representation agreement survives a week of thinking. Anyone who says the offer expires tomorrow has told you everything you need to know.