WATCH: Top football agency expands into Northern Ireland to help young local stars of future achieve dreams
Rio Ferdinand has officially opened the new office of one of the UK’s top football agencies at Innovation Factory in West Belfast.
Last updated 23rd May 2019
New Era Global Sports Management is the first big name football agency to open an office in Northern Ireland.
It is also New Era’s first satellite office outside its London HQ.
The Belfast office is run by former professional footballer, Lee Mudd, who says the agency was drawn by the vast untapped potential talent throughout the island of Ireland.
“There are a lot of talented young players here and having an office in Belfast will provide them with the opportunity to make it on a bigger stage.
"We currently have 15 players on our books from Ireland and Northern Ireland and I would expect this to grow considerably in a short time as there is so much potential here,” he said.
Lee added: “We recognise that it is an enormous challenge for a young person to leave this country and go to live in England. It is important to provide them with a support network.
"It can be a tough, ruthless environment and they need a caring team behind them to look after them not just now but throughout their careers,” said Mudd.