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News and Blogs

Welcoming Izzy Groves

Welcoming Izzy Groves

Midfielder Izzy Groves joins SMG Football Sprint Management Global is excited to welcome Ms Israëla Alicia Izzy Groves to our expanding football roster of female clients. NEXT CHALLENGE Izzy joins SMG Football after an impressive career in university and professional...

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I’m a free agent! So what went wrong?!?

I’m a free agent! So what went wrong?!?

The Unforgiving World of Football Free Agency

Navigating the life of a football free agent is one of the toughest challenges in professional sports. Whether you’re a young player released from an academy, an experienced pro unexpectedly without a team, or someone nearing the end of your career, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty. In this article, I explore the brutal realities of the free agent market, from the intense competition for limited squad spots to the challenges of moving overseas and adapting to new cultures. Discover practical advice on how to stay resilient, keep fit, and maximize your chances of securing a new contract in a highly competitive landscape.

#Football #FreeAgency #CareerAdvice #SportsManagement

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Expected Player Requirements – SMG Football Recruitment

Expected Player Requirements – SMG Football Recruitment

SMG Football Talent ID As the Head of Recruitment for SMG Football, I feel that it’s important to outline the key requirements and expectations for players seeking representation with the agency. SMG Football is committed to providing high-quality support and...

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Grace Yango joins DC Power

Grace Yango joins DC Power

Grace Ngock Yango has signed for DC Power in the USL Super League. Grace has made 35 appearances for the Cameroonian women’s national team appearing in the 2019 World Cup. Last season (2023/24) she plays in the Première Ligue (France) for Guingamp Women, returning to...

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Sprint MG Welcomes Talented Right Winger Fahmin Muradbayli

Sprint MG Welcomes Talented Right Winger Fahmin Muradbayli

Sprint Management Group LTD (Sprint MG) is thrilled to announce the addition of right winger Fahmin Muradbayli to our esteemed roster of clients.

Boasting an impressive resume of over 200 professional matches, including notable appearances in prestigious tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, Fahmin brings with him a wealth of experience and a winning mindset. Currently showcasing his talents with FK Iravan in the Azerbaijan First Division, Fahmin has proven himself as a formidable force on the field.

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Seth Torman signs with LA Force

Seth Torman signs with LA Force

Sprint Management Group LTD client Seth Torman has signed with Los Angeles Force in the NISA league for the 2024 season. Standing at 6’ 4”, Seth Torman is a physically imposing goalkeeper, with strong shot stopping ability and provides a calming influence in defence....

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Samuel Ofori signs with Sprint MG

Samuel Ofori signs with Sprint MG

Samuel Ofori is a Ghanaian Centre Back that is represented by Sprint MG. Samuel is renowned for his physicality, pace and domination in the tackle. He is excellent in 1v1 situations.

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The Importance of ‘Banding Clubs’ in English Football Player Recruitment: A Pathway for Overseas Talent

The Importance of ‘Banding Clubs’ in English Football Player Recruitment: A Pathway for Overseas Talent

Revolutionising Football Player Recruitment: The Banding System Unveiled

In the fast-paced world of football, talent acquisition plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of clubs. Finding the right players has always been a meticulous process, complicated further by the intricacies of work permit requirements and the points-based system. However, a revolutionary development has taken the footballing world by storm – the banding system. This groundbreaking approach is set to reshape player recruitment for English clubs in the Premier League and EFL, opening doors to a plethora of overseas talent like never before.

The key to unlocking this new era lies in the banding system’s ability to categorize leagues into different bands, with Bands 1-5 being the most crucial. Any league listed within these bands offers a unique opportunity for English clubs to sign players with minimal obstacles, provided they have Essential Sponsorship Criteria (ESC) slots available. This game-changing development is anticipated to drive an exponential rise in overseas players joining the Premier League and EFL ranks, enriching the competition and elevating the overall standard of play.

While the points-based system still holds its significance in identifying potential recruits, the newfound availability of free ESC slots grants clubs unmatched flexibility in their pursuit of talent. Though securing the required 15 points for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) remains advantageous, it is no longer an absolute necessity, offering clubs more room to maneuver their recruitment strategies.

To navigate this new landscape effectively, understanding the banding system’s nuances becomes paramount. Players competing in top-tier domestic leagues, such as the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, enjoy an inherent advantage in the points-based system. These leagues, classified under Band 1, now serve as the ultimate breeding ground for players seeking a pathway to secure a GBE without utilizing an ESC slot.

The banding system’s advent signifies a monumental shift in football player recruitment, revolutionizing the way English clubs acquire overseas talent. With the door now wide open for leagues listed in Bands 1-5, the Premier League and EFL have a unique chance to bolster their squads with world-class players from all corners of the globe. Embracing this transformative system and effectively harnessing its potential will undoubtedly be the key to staying ahead in the highly competitive world of football.

#FootballRecruitment #BandingSystem #OverseasTalent #PremierLeague #EFL #GBE #ESCPlayers #PlayerScouting #FootballingWorld #GameChanger

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Enhanced Player Transfers in England: SMG Applauds FA’s Updated GBE Criteria

Enhanced Player Transfers in England: SMG Applauds FA’s Updated GBE Criteria

Unlocking New Horizons: FA’s GBE Criteria Opens Doors for English Clubs and Overseas Players

In a significant move, the English Football Association (FA) has updated its Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria, heralding a new era for player transfers in English football. The latest revision introduces the concept of “elite significant contribution” (ESC) players, allowing Premier League and EFL clubs to sign overseas players who may not meet the traditional points-based requirements. This groundbreaking development offers clubs an expanded player pool and empowers talented individuals from lower-profile leagues to pursue their dreams in the English leagues.

The core change lies in the banding system, which now categorizes domestic leagues worldwide into six different levels (Bands 1 to 6), and continental competitions into three bands (Band 1 to Band 3). Leagues placed in Bands 1 to 5 present an alluring pathway for English clubs to scout and sign players with greater ease. As a result, clubs will be less encumbered by the points-based system during their talent search, as long as they have available ESC slots.

One of the most notable beneficiaries of these updates is Major League Soccer (MLS), which has ascended from Band 4 to Band 3. Players who consistently play more than 80% of their team’s minutes in MLS can now secure the necessary GBE points without additional prerequisites. This opens up exciting possibilities for English clubs to tap into the talent pool in the United States and Canada and bolster their squads with MLS stars.

Moreover, the introduction of new leagues, such as the Italian Serie B, Hungarian Nemzeti Bajnokság I, Japanese J1 League, and South Korean K League 1, into Band 5 paves the way for clubs to access players from these leagues as ESC players. This marks a transformative shift, as it empowers players from lesser-known leagues to directly secure positions in English clubs, providing them with a newfound opportunity to make their mark on the global stage.

In conclusion, the FA’s updated GBE criteria represent a watershed moment for English football, heralding a more inclusive and dynamic transfer market. Sprint Management Group LTD (SMG) welcomes these changes and is excited about the possibilities they present for clubs to discover hidden gems from all corners of the world. As the football community embraces this evolution, it is clear that the game is set to witness a new era of talent and competition on English soil.

[Note: The above is an excerpt from an article discussing the recent updates to the FA’s Governing Body Endorsement criteria, highlighting the impact on English clubs and players from overseas leagues. The full article delves deeper into the specific criteria and its implications.]

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Is this the end of football’s Wild West?

Is this the end of football’s Wild West?

After an extremely long wait (Since 2018), the new FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) have finally been announced. They will be introduced on Monday, 9 January 2023, with the deadline of 15 March for applications to sit the exam on the 19 April. Since 2018 FIFA...

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MAXI RODRIGUEZ EARNS USL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

MAXI RODRIGUEZ EARNS USL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Sprint MG client, Maxi Rodriguez has been named USL Championship Player of the Week for Match 30. Maxi won the award after scoring a hat-trick in Detroit City FC's 4-0 victory over Loudon United. Check out Maxi's goals! Congratualtions Maxi, from everyone at Sprint...

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YAZMEEN JAMIESON JOINS GPSO 92 ISSY

YAZMEEN JAMIESON JOINS GPSO 92 ISSY

Sprint MG client, Goalkpeer, Yazmeen Jamieson has joined French Division 2 Feminine side, GPSO 92 Issy for the remainder of the 2022-23 season Yazmeeen, a current Jamaican International, is making her second move across to Europe, after a successful season with Simcoe...

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2022: A new dawn for football agents?

2022: A new dawn for football agents?

In 2022 FIFA will reintroduce new regulations regarding the role of agents in football.
In 2015 FIFA deregulated the industry in favour of intermediaries. This blog discusses those potential changes and agents will face in 2022.

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Zanele Mbiyozo joins Sprint MG

Zanele Mbiyozo joins Sprint MG

Sprint MG are delighted to announce Zanele Mbiyozo as a new client.  

Zanele Mbiyozo is a quick and versatile attacker who has played most of his professional career with Black Aces. Zanele has shown that he knows where the goal is, being top goal scorer for Black Aces in the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 season. He is ready to prove his goal scoring prowess by make the step into the NFD or PSL next season.

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Mlando Shongwe joins Sprint MG

Mlando Shongwe joins Sprint MG

Sprint MG welcomes South African Right Back Mlando Shongwe as its latest client #sprintMG #MlandoShongwe #Soccer #Football #SouthAfrica #SMWWSoccer #SMWW #footballagency #transferwindow #SouthAfricanFootball

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Butel confirms late BTCC 2020 campaign

Butel confirms late BTCC 2020 campaign

Jack Butel will make his debut in the British Tour Car Championship racing for the Carlube Triple R Racing and line-up in one of Ciceley Motorsport’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars .

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Makgaka departs Baroka FC

Having spent 5 years at South African PSL club Baroka FC, Collins Makgaka’s time at the club is sadly coming to an end. Baroka FC gave Collins a steppingstone into the professional game, and more importantly, experience playing at the highest level in South Africa. At...

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What Brexit potentially means for EPL Academies

What Brexit potentially means for EPL Academies

The notoriously over-hyped “January Transfer Deadline Day” in England also marks a more significant deadline for Premier League football teams. The 31 January 2020 was Brexit Day and the reality of the UK leaving the EU became a reality.

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Collins Makgaka signs with Sprint MG

Collins Makgaka signs with Sprint MG

Sprint MG are delighted to announce the signing of South African midfielder, Collins Makgaka. Collins is an exciting attacking midfielder that has good pace, the quality and vision to break down defences with an attacking pass and the ability to shoot from distance with either foot.

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Butel set for Gulf 12 Hour challenge

Butel set for Gulf 12 Hour challenge

Jack Butel will be joining Artline Racing for the ninth edition of the Gulf 12 Hours. Hosted at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on the 13-14 December 2019, Butel will be again getting behind the wheel of a Lamborghini.

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Spanish showdown for Butel in Jerez

Spanish showdown for Butel in Jerez

Jack Butel will be joining up with Artline Racing for the second time in 2019 in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.

Butel will drive in Super Trofeo Europe’s Pro-Am category on Friday alongside Steven Liquorish, with the weekend on racing climaxing with the World Series Final races on Saturday and Sunday.

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Hartpury RFC debut for Everard in Championship Cup

Hartpury RFC debut for Everard in Championship Cup

Sprint MG Rugby client Tom Everard will be making his first team debut this Saturday for Hartpury RFC against the Doncaster Knights. After a long pre-season, due to the impact of the 2019 World Cup, Tom will be part of Hartpury RFC’s first competitive fixture of the...

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Sprint MG launches client travel service

Sprint MG launches client travel service

Sprint Management Group LTD have launched a new service to assist clients, their families and associates with their travel and accommodation needs.
Whether booking travel and accommodation for an athlete or team, perhaps arranging a post season holiday or family break, Sprint MG Travel deliver cost effective and time saving suggestions to clients worldwide.

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Further British GT heartache for Butel

Further British GT heartache for Butel

A difficult Donington weekend was put well behind Jerseyman Jack Butel in the British GT championship last time out, the Optimum Motorsport driver set his sights on a positive result at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium (20/21 July). Fighting in the heart of the action once again, the Channel Islander was on for a good result before a serious engine misfire at the end of his stint put an end to the two-hour race.

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Spa beckons for Butel in Round 5 of the British GT

Spa beckons for Butel in Round 5 of the British GT

The 5th round of the British GT Championship jumps overseas, to Belgium, for its annual race round at the iconic Spa Francorchamps.

Jack is excited about returning to Spa, a track of which he has some fond memories. 2 years ago he finished on the podium during his spell in the Henderson Insurance LMP3 Cup, but this will be his first time on the circuit in a GT car.

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Fuller aims for Europa League glory with Archers

Fuller aims for Europa League glory with Archers

Sprint MG caught up with goalkeeper, Will Fuller, who is preparing for Cardiff Met FC’s Europa League qualifier, recognised as the biggest game in the club’s history.
On Thursday night a team of students will take on Luxembourg outfit ‘FC Progres Niedekorn’, famous for knocking out Glasgow Rangers FC in the same competition in 2017. Cardiff Met are hoping to go one better and overturn a 1-0 away defeat with Cork City the potential opponents in the First Qualifying Round of the Europa League.

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Fuller signs with Sprint MG

Fuller signs with Sprint MG

Sprint MG are delighted to introduce goalkeeper Will Fuller as our latest client.
Will is an athletic and mobile goalkeeper, with sharp reactions, a natural shot stopper and confidence with the ball at his feet.

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6th place finish in class for Butel at the British GT4

6th place finish in class for Butel at the British GT4

Jack Butel and his driver partner, Connor O'Brien earnt a respectful 6th in Class in the British GT Silverstone 500. Jack took the wheel for the start of the race in the Aston Martin Vantage GT4S. Starting from P10 after qualifying Jack in the first few laps managed...

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Spangenberg signs on with the Legion

Spangenberg signs on with the Legion

Goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg, has signed a multi-year contract with USL Championship side Birmingham Legion. Trevor is represented by Sprint Management Group in partnership with SMWW Agency.

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De Vera returns home to Timbers 2

De Vera returns home to Timbers 2

Niko de Vera, a former member of the Portland Timbers Academy and Timbers U23's has joined Timbers 2 for the 2019 season. Niko was drafted in the Second Round (31st overall) in the 2018 MLS Super Draft by the New York Red Bulls, making 27 appearances (22) starts for...

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