FIFA has launched a new Parents’ Education on Football Handbook to help families guide their children safely through the world of football representation.
Developed with the Football Agent Working Group and Loughborough University, the handbook gives parents practical tools and advice to make informed decisions that protect their child’s welfare, integrity, and long-term development.
For many young players, becoming a professional footballer is a dream.
Along the way, talented minors are often approached by football agents offering to represent them.
While this can be exciting, it can also be complicated. Parents face a tricky landscape of rules, regulations, and potential risks, especially when dealing with agents.
The handbook aims to make this easier.
It helps parents identify legitimate opportunities, avoid scams, and make decisions that prioritize their child’s best interests.
In recent years, some families have been targeted by people falsely claiming to be football agents.
These scams often involve promises of trials, requests for unnecessary payments, or services that are never delivered.
Such practices can harm both the child’s career and the family’s financial security.
The handbook provides:
- Key learning points and practical advice for parents.
- Regulatory guidance and compliance tips.
- Guidance on real-life situations parents may face.
- Advice on good parenting practices in youth football
“We are very pleased to introduce a practical tool that helps parents understand how their child is protected in football,” said Patricio Varela, FIFA’s Head of Agents.
“The handbook is designed to empower families to make informed, child-focused decisions that safeguard both their child’s career and well-being. It is clear, practical, and applicable worldwide.”
The handbook is now available online in a new section dedicated to the protection of minors, giving parents, families, and stakeholders a trusted resource to support young players on their football journey.
