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How to Pass the FIFA Agent Exam: Online Prep Course with Maikel Tsuji

How to Pass the FIFA Agent Exam: Online Prep Course with Maikel Tsuji
June 06, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the dynamic world of soccer agency with SMWW’s FIFA Agent Prep Course, led by Maikel Tsuji—SMWW Soccer Agency Director, FIFA Certified Agent, and former professional soccer player. With firsthand experience navigating the complexities of player representation and contract negotiation, Tsuji brings practical insights designed to prepare you for a successful career as a FIFA-licensed agent. This course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and certification readiness to operate effectively within the global soccer industry.

What You’ll Learn:

  • FIFA Regulations and Licensing: Understand the licensing process and FIFA regulations governing player agents and intermediaries worldwide.

  • Player Representation Fundamentals: Learn the roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards expected of licensed agents representing professional players.

  • Contract Negotiations: Gain expertise in structuring and negotiating player contracts, transfers, and endorsements.

  • Career Management: Explore strategies for managing players’ careers, including marketing, brand building, and long-term planning.

  • Legal and Financial Aspects: Dive into the legal frameworks and financial considerations critical to successful soccer agency.

Why Learn from Maikel Tsuji:

Maikel Tsuji combines his experience as a former professional soccer player with his role as a FIFA Certified Agent and SMWW Soccer Agency Director. He has successfully represented players across multiple leagues and understands the challenges agents face in today’s global marketplace. His practical approach offers students a comprehensive view of the agent profession from both the field and business perspectives.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring FIFA licensed soccer agents

  • Current sports agents seeking FIFA certification

  • Soccer professionals interested in player management and representation

  • Students and fans aiming to break into soccer agency

Course Highlights:

  • Live Instruction: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Maikel Tsuji, with opportunities for personalized guidance and Q&A.

  • Practical Assignments: Engage with real-world scenarios to apply agency principles and develop negotiation skills.

  • Industry Networking: Connect with agents, players, and industry insiders to build your professional network.

  • Certification Preparation: Receive comprehensive preparation to successfully pass the FIFA agent licensing exam.

Get Started:

Begin your path to becoming a licensed FIFA agent today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW FIFA Agent Prep Course page.


How to Break into Football Video Analysis with Catapult: Online Course with Former Jaguars Tech Director Mike Stoeber

How to Break into Football Video Analysis with Catapult: Online Course with Former Jaguars Tech Director Mike Stoeber
June 05, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the cutting-edge world of football video performance analysis with SMWW’s 8-week online course, Football Video Performance with Catapult, led by Mike Stoeber—Pro Football Focus Product Manager and former Director of Football Systems for the Jacksonville Jaguars. This course is designed to equip coaches, analysts, and front office professionals with the skills needed to leverage Catapult Thunder for video coaching, recruiting, scouting, and officiating. Whether you're aiming to enhance game preparation or advance your career in football technology, this program offers the expertise required to thrive in the data-driven era of the sport.sportsmanagementworldwide.comsportsmanagementworldwide.com

What You’ll Learn:

  • Catapult Thunder Fundamentals: Understand the core features and functionalities of Catapult Thunder, the industry-leading video analysis software used by NFL and college teams.

  • Game Film Breakdown: Learn how to efficiently tag, analyze, and review game footage to extract actionable insights for coaching and strategy development.

  • Recruiting & Scouting Applications: Explore methods for utilizing video analysis in evaluating player performance and potential during recruitment and scouting processes.catapult.com+4catapult.com+4catapult.com+4

  • Officiating Support: Gain knowledge on how video analysis can assist in reviewing officiating decisions and improving game officiating standards.

  • Integration with Team Operations: Learn how to integrate video analysis into daily team operations, enhancing communication and decision-making across departments.

Why Learn from Mike Stoeber:

Mike Stoeber brings over a decade of experience in football technology, having served as the Director of Football Systems for the Jacksonville Jaguars and as a Senior Field Support Representative at Catapult Technology. Currently, he is the Product Manager at Pro Football Focus. Stoeber's extensive background provides students with a practical, industry-focused perspective on utilizing video analysis tools in professional football settings. sportsmanagementworldwide.com+1sportsmanagementworldwide.com+1sportsmanagementworldwide.com

Ideal For:

  • Coaches seeking to enhance their video analysis skills

  • Scouts and analysts aiming to incorporate advanced technology into their evaluation processes

  • Front office professionals looking to leverage video data for strategic decision-making

  • Students and enthusiasts eager to break into football technology and operations

Course Highlights:

  • Interactive Learning: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Mike Stoeber, offering personalized feedback and insights.

  • Hands-On Application: Apply learning through real-world case studies and scenarios, enhancing practical understanding.

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and peers in the football industry, expanding your network and career prospects.

  • Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW, demonstrating your expertise in football video performance analysis with Catapult.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into football video performance analysis today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Football Video Performance Analysis with Catapult course page.


How Coaches and Executives Break into Baseball Operations: Online Course with MLB Executive Dan Duquette

How Coaches and Executives Break into Baseball Operations: Online Course with MLB Executive Dan Duquette
June 04, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the world of baseball player development with SMWW’s Baseball Player Development & Strategy course, led by Dan Duquette—a three-time MLB Executive of the Year and former General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Montreal Expos. With over four decades in professional baseball, Duquette brings unparalleled expertise in transforming raw talent into major league success. This course is designed to equip you with the principles, strategies, and techniques behind effective player development, preparing you for a career in baseball operations.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Foundations of Player Development: Understand the critical role of player development within MLB organizations, from scouting to nurturing talent at every level.

  • Strategic Team Building: Learn how to construct a competitive team by integrating scouting insights with development strategies.

  • Mental and Physical Conditioning: Explore methods for enhancing players' mental resilience and physical performance to meet the demands of professional baseball.

  • Coaching Philosophy: Delve into effective coaching techniques that foster growth, discipline, and adaptability in players.

  • Organizational Integration: Gain insights into aligning player development strategies with overall team objectives and organizational culture.

Why Learn from Dan Duquette:

Dan Duquette's extensive career includes transformative roles with the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles. He is renowned for his ability to identify and cultivate talent, laying the groundwork for the Red Sox's 2004 World Series championship team. His leadership in player development has been instrumental in shaping successful MLB franchises. In 2022, Duquette was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the team's success.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring baseball operations professionals

  • Coaches and scouts seeking to enhance their development strategies

  • Front office staff aiming to integrate development into organizational planning

  • Students and enthusiasts eager to understand the intricacies of player development in baseball

Course Highlights:

  • Interactive Learning: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Dan Duquette, offering personalized feedback and insights.

  • Hands-On Application: Apply learning through real-world case studies and scenarios, enhancing practical understanding.

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and peers in the baseball industry, expanding your network and career prospects.

  • Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW, demonstrating your expertise in baseball player development and strategy.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into baseball player development today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Baseball Player Development & Strategy course page.


The Playbook - The Power of Showing Up: Why Proximity Matters

The Playbook - The Power of Showing Up: Why Proximity Matters
June 03, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Here’s something I’ve learned in five decades of hiring, mentoring, and placing professionals in sports: Your physical (or virtual) presence still matters. In fact, it’s one of the biggest competitive advantages you have.

I’ve seen hundreds of résumés. But it’s the people who show up—who put themselves in the room, on the field, or at the event—who stick in my memory.

In sports, proximity creates opportunity.

Think about it:

  • The intern who stays after to help clean up? They get asked back.
  • The student who volunteers to run the clock at a D-II basketball game? They meet an assistant coach with pro ties.
  • The attendee at a career conference who asks smart questions and introduces themselves to speakers? They leave with three new contacts and a potential interview.

These aren’t hypotheticals. I’ve watched these exact scenarios unfold. You don’t need a VIP badge—you just need to be there, engaged and reliable.

And in today’s world, “showing up” doesn’t always mean in person. Join the Zoom. Ask the question in the chat. Turn your camera on. Follow up with the presenter. Participation builds reputation.

If you’re wondering how to get a foot in the door, ask yourself this: Where are the doors located? Then go stand next to one.

It might be an event, a local volunteer gig, a Zoom call, or a job fair. But if you're visible, you’re memorable. And in this business, being remembered is often what leads to being hired.

Show up early. Stay engaged. Be helpful. Be present. That’s how careers begin.

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook President, Sports Management Worldwide


Master Hockey Player Development & Strategy Online with Former NHL GM Mike Smith

Master Hockey Player Development & Strategy Online with Former NHL GM Mike Smith
June 02, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Unlock the secrets behind building elite hockey talent with SMWW’s 8-week online Hockey Player Development & Strategy course, led by renowned NHL executive Mike Smith. With decades of experience as General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks and Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike brings unparalleled insight into player development, team-building, and modern hockey strategy. This course provides a comprehensive look at how today’s top organizations evaluate, develop, and optimize player performance at every level—from amateur to professional.

Whether you’re a coach, scout, executive, or analyst, this program equips you with the tools to help players reach their full potential and gives you a strategic edge in today’s highly competitive hockey landscape.

What You’ll Learn:

Foundations of Player Development: Understand the stages of player growth and the key attributes that define success at each level of competition.

Strategic Team Building: Learn how top-level executives build rosters through draft strategy, development pipelines, and performance forecasting.

Modern Hockey Systems: Explore how analytics, video, and on-ice tactics combine to create effective game plans and long-term development models.

Player Evaluation Techniques: Discover how professionals assess a player’s ceiling, character, and role fit using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Creating Development Plans: Learn how to design individualized training and development programs to help players maximize their potential.

Why Learn from Mike Smith:

Mike Smith is a respected veteran of NHL front offices with over 35 years of experience, having served as General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks and Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. A pioneer in the use of hockey analytics and a former Director of Player Personnel, Mike has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing talent. His extensive experience makes him the ideal mentor for anyone looking to understand what it takes to develop winning hockey players and teams.

Ideal For:

  • Hockey coaches and player development professionals

  • Scouts and talent evaluators

  • Front office executives and hockey operations staff

  • Sports analysts focused on performance and strategy

  • Individuals pursuing careers in professional or junior hockey

Course Highlights:

Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Mike Smith and SMWW staff, offering direct access to one of hockey’s most strategic minds.

Real-World Scenarios: Work through practical case studies and development strategies used by NHL teams and hockey programs worldwide.

Player Development Tools: Learn to use the same tools and evaluation frameworks used in professional hockey organizations.

Career-Enhancing Certification: Earn a respected credential from SMWW, demonstrating your expertise in hockey player development and strategic planning.

Get Started:

Elevate your career and help shape the future of hockey by enrolling today. For more details and to sign up, visit the SMWW Hockey Player Development & Strategy course.


How to Become a Football Analyst: Online Course with Analytics Experts Aaron Schatz and Mike Tainer

How to Become a Football Analyst: Online Course with Analytics Experts Aaron Schatz and Mike Tainer
June 01, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the evolving world of football analytics with SMWW’s 8-week online Football Analytics course, led by Aaron Schatz—Chief Analytics Officer of FTN Network and the godfather of DVOA—and Mike Tanier, a sports writer and analytics expert for The Messenger. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and advanced knowledge needed to pursue a career in football analytics, data-driven decision-making, and performance evaluation. Whether you aim to work in the NFL, college football, media, or analytics consulting, this program provides the foundational expertise required to succeed in football’s analytics revolution.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Advanced Football Metrics: Master key statistics such as DVOA, EPA, success rate, and other metrics used by professionals to evaluate players and teams.

  • Data Analysis & Interpretation: Develop skills to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and generate actionable insights using real football data.

  • Visualization & Reporting: Learn to create compelling visual representations of data to communicate findings effectively to coaches, front offices, and media.

  • Football Strategy & Analytics: Understand how analytics influence game planning, roster decisions, and player evaluation in modern football.

  • Tools & Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and software used for football analytics and data management.

Why Learn from Aaron Schatz & Mike Tanier:

Aaron Schatz is recognized as the godfather of football analytics and the creator of the widely used DVOA metric. As FTN Network’s Chief Analytics Officer, he has shaped how teams and media evaluate performance through data. Aaron provides students with expert knowledge on football analytics models and real-world applications.

Mike Tanier brings expertise as a sports writer and analytics expert at The Messenger, combining deep football knowledge with the ability to translate complex data into accessible insights. His practical experience helps students bridge the gap between data and decision-making.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring football analysts and data scientists

  • Coaches and personnel integrating analytics into their workflow

  • Sports journalists focusing on football analytics

  • Football fans interested in advanced statistics and performance metrics

Course Highlights:

  • Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Aaron Schatz and Mike Tainer, where you can ask questions and receive personalized feedback.

  • Hands-on Projects: Build a portfolio with real-world analytics projects and player evaluations using authentic football data.

  • Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored to football analytics careers.

  • SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW demonstrating your proficiency in football analytics, respected throughout the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into football analytics today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Football Analytics course page.


How to Break into Soccer Analytics: Online Course with English FA Scout Danielle Prescott

How to Break into Soccer Analytics: Online Course with English FA Scout Danielle Prescott
May 31, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the modern world of football strategy and decision-making with SMWW’s 8-week online Soccer Analytics course, led by Danielle Prescott—Talent Scout for the English Football Association and former Manchester United scout. This course is designed to equip you with the tools and techniques needed to interpret and apply data in scouting, coaching, player development, and club operations. Whether you're looking to influence on-field performance or front office strategy, this program provides the foundational expertise required to thrive in the data-driven era of global football.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Analytics Fundamentals: Understand key statistical models, data metrics, and performance indicators used at the top levels of the sport.

  • Scouting with Data: Learn how to combine traditional scouting methods and tools like Impect with modern data analysis to identify and evaluate talent.

  • Game Analysis & Tactics: Break down team shape, style of play, and individual impact using real match data.

  • Building Dashboards & Reports: Gain experience using tools like Excel, Tableau, R Python, and others to build professional reports and presentations.

  • Club Application: Learn how football clubs apply analytics in recruitment, development, game strategy, and performance improvement.

Why Learn from Danielle Prescott:

Danielle Prescott is a respected talent evaluator with a proven track record in both the men’s and women’s game. As a current Talent Scout for the English FA and former scout for Manchester United, she brings first-hand knowledge of how elite clubs use analytics to support player identification, recruitment, and performance decisions. Her experience at the intersection of traditional scouting and cutting-edge analytics provides students with a unique and practical perspective on the global game.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring data analysts in soccer

  • Scouts and coaches seeking to add analytical skills

  • Front office and football operations professionals

  • Students and fans looking to break into soccer with a data-driven approach

Course Highlights:

  • Live Mentorship: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Danielle Prescott, where you can ask questions and receive expert feedback on your work.

  • Hands-On Projects: Build soccer-specific dashboards and scouting reports using real data and case studies from top leagues.

  • Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored for roles in soccer analytics and club operations.

  • SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your soccer analytics expertise—respected throughout the global football industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into the world of soccer analytics today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Soccer Analytics course page.


Learn Hockey Video Analysis with Catapult Thunder: Online Course Taught by Performance Expert Eddie Bishop

Learn Hockey Video Analysis with Catapult Thunder: Online Course Taught by Performance Expert Eddie Bishop
May 30, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the cutting-edge world of hockey performance analysis with SMWW’s 8-week online Hockey Video Performance with Catapult course, taught by Eddie Bishop, Customer Success Specialist at Catapult Sports. This course provides a hands-on introduction to video breakdown and performance analysis using industry-standard tools and workflows trusted by NHL, junior, and collegiate teams. Learn how to capture, analyze, and present video to improve player development, support coaching strategies, and gain a competitive edge.

Whether you’re an aspiring video coach, data analyst, or hockey operations professional, this course delivers the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the modern game.

What You’ll Learn:

Video Analysis Fundamentals: Learn the key techniques behind breaking down hockey film, tagging clips, and organizing video for player and team evaluation.

Catapult Vision Training: Get hands-on experience with Catapult Vision, the preferred video analysis platform used by teams across the NHL and beyond.

Performance Breakdown Techniques: Understand how to analyze offensive and defensive systems, player habits, special teams, and key tactical trends.

Workflow Integration: Discover how video fits into a coaching staff’s day-to-day operations and long-term development strategies.

Presentation & Reporting: Learn how to deliver insights through clean, professional reports and video packages that support coaching and scouting decisions.

Why Learn from Eddie Bishop:

Eddie Bishop is a Customer Success Specialist with Catapult Sports, the global leader in athlete performance technology. With a deep understanding of Catapult’s Vision platform and extensive experience supporting hockey teams at all levels, Eddie provides expert instruction on how to effectively integrate video and data into hockey operations. His insights into both the technical and practical side of video coaching make him an invaluable resource for anyone entering this side of the game.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring hockey video coaches and analysts

  • Team staff seeking to integrate video into player development

  • Scouts and performance specialists

  • Coaching staff at the junior, collegiate, or professional level

  • Individuals pursuing careers in hockey operations or technology

Course Highlights:

Hands-On Training: Work directly in the Catapult Vision system with guided instruction and real hockey footage.

Live Mentorship: Join weekly live Zoom sessions with Eddie Bishop and SMWW staff, allowing you to ask questions and gain expert feedback.

Real-World Application: Create your own performance breakdowns, scouting edits, and team reports as used in professional hockey environments.

Professional Certification: Earn a resume-boosting certificate from SMWW and Catapult, demonstrating your skills in digital video analysis and hockey performance.

Get Started:

Take the first step toward a high-tech career in hockey by enrolling today. For more information and to sign up, visit the SMWW Hockey Video Performance with Catapult course.


How to Use PFF Premium Like a Pro: Online Football Analytics Course with Steve Palazzolo of The 33rd Team

How to Use PFF Premium Like a Pro: Online Football Analytics Course with Steve Palazzolo of The 33rd Team
May 29, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the data-driven world of football with SMWW’s 8-week online Proficiency in PFF Premium course, led by Steve Palazzolo—host of Check the Mic on The 33rd Team and one of the most respected voices in football analytics. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical experience needed to use Pro Football Focus (PFF) Premium data effectively in football scouting, analysis, coaching, and front office decision-making. Whether you're an aspiring analyst, coach, scout, or executive, this course provides the tools and strategies needed to turn elite-level data into actionable insights.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Mastering PFF Premium: Learn how to navigate and extract actionable insights from PFF’s Premium Stats, including grades, advanced metrics, and situational data.

  • Film & Data Integration: Understand how to pair PFF data with film study to make more informed player evaluations.

  • Team & Player Analysis: Gain the skills to break down team performance, offensive/defensive schemes, and individual player impact using data-driven methods.

  • Scouting & Draft Preparation: Use PFF Premium tools to prepare mock drafts, compare prospects, and assess positional value.

  • Football Decision-Making: Learn how data influences game planning, roster construction, and front office strategy across all levels of football.

Why Learn from Steve Palazzolo:

Steve Palazzolo is a prominent football analyst and long-time PFF contributor with a deep background in scouting, analytics, and media. As the host of Check the Mic on The 33rd Team and a former minor league pitcher turned football analytics leader, Steve offers a unique perspective on how to use data to shape football narratives, strategy, and performance evaluation. His insight into PFF Premium tools makes him the ideal mentor for aspiring football analysts and decision-makers.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring football analysts and data specialists

  • Coaches and scouts looking to integrate analytics into their workflow

  • Media professionals covering football through a data-informed lens

  • Sports management students and professionals pursuing front office careers

Course Highlights:

  • Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Steve Palazzolo, where you can ask questions and get real-time feedback on your analysis.

  • Hands-On Data Projects: Apply what you learn with guided assignments using actual PFF Premium tools and datasets.

  • Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored to careers in analytics, coaching, and football operations.

  • SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your proficiency with PFF Premium and your ability to apply football analytics in real-world scenarios.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into football analytics with the power of PFF Premium. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Proficiency in PFF Premium course page.


How to Become a Soccer/Football/Fútbol Agent: Online Course with FIFA Agent Maikel Tsuji

How to Become a Soccer/Football/Fútbol Agent: Online Course with FIFA Agent Maikel Tsuji
May 28, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the world of soccer representation with SMWW’s 8-week online Soccer Agent course, led by Maikel Tsuji—a FIFA-certified agent and SMWW’s Director of Soccer Operations. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to represent professional soccer players globally. Whether you're aiming to represent clients in leagues like the EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, MLS, or women's leagues, this program provides the foundational expertise needed to launch your career as a soccer agent.

What You’ll Learn:

  • FIFA Regulations & Ethics: Gain a comprehensive understanding of FIFA's regulations and ethical standards for player representation.

  • Client Recruitment & Promotion: Learn effective strategies for identifying, recruiting, and promoting soccer talent across various leagues and countries.

  • Contract Negotiation: Develop skills to negotiate contracts that align with your clients' best interests.

  • Global Networking: Build a network with industry professionals and clubs worldwide to enhance your clients' opportunities.

  • Career Development: Receive guidance on establishing and growing your career as a soccer agent.

Why Learn from Maikel Tsuji:

Maikel Tsuji brings a wealth of experience as a former professional soccer player and a certified FIFA agent. With a background in representing athletes across various sports, including soccer, Maikel offers real-world insights into the intricacies of player representation and the sports industry. 

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring soccer agents seeking certification

  • Individuals interested in global soccer representation

  • Professionals aiming to transition into the sports agency field

  • Those looking to understand FIFA regulations and ethical standards

Course Highlights:

  • Live Mentorship: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Maikel Tsuji, where you can ask questions and receive direct feedback.

  • Resume Enhancement: Participate in a resume redesign service to optimize your CV for the sports industry.

  • SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your knowledge in soccer agency, respected across the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey in soccer representation today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Soccer Agent course page.


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