We understand and acknowledge that parents or guardians who may well play a crucial role in identifying, choose and ultimately work with an agent. Globally, a player is permitted under FIFA regulations to sign a representation contract with an agent from the 1st day in January of the year of his or her 16th birthday. However, a representation contract with an under-18 year old player must also be countersigned by the player’s parent or guardian. In practice, it will often be the parent or guardian of a young player who liaises most closely with the agent and it’s therefore important that the agent holds the trust of both the player and his family.