citiesabc, resources
Global institute of Sport: Superagent Erkut Sogut Teaches Students
With campuses across London, Melbourne, Sydney and Brussels, Global institute of Sport provides education from recognised names in the sports industry. The institute 50+ sports industry partners including the Premier League, The FA and a global network of mentors. One of its renowned lecturers is Dr Erkut Sogut. Securing Mesut Ozil's transfer from Real Madrid to Arsenal for £42.5 million in 2013, his work made Ozil the third most expensive signing in British football history.
Now the founder of GROW sports agency, Erkut is excited to pass his experience on to the next generation of sports agents. He posed some of the questions a student might ask themselves as they begin their career. What are the steps for how we actually get into the agency world? How do we sign our first client? What kind of knowledge do we need?
“We need to know about law, we need to know about management, we need to know about marketing,” he explained on the university's official website. “I’m really excited to be with GIS on this amazing project, the first in the world, which makes it so special.”
One of his former students is Thomas Freismuth, who now works at GROW agency alongside his former lecturer. “Erkut helped me a lot in my journey as a football agent” Thomas told GIS. “He showed me everything and introduced me to a lot of people in the industry. Every student can benefit a lot from Erkut's network and also his experience throughout the years.”
As part of the course, students learn real-world skills through modules such as Athlete and Agency Management, Mentoring and Coaching Skills for Sports Agents, Legal Principles for Sports Agents, and Global Sports Leadership Students can also study FIFA Football Agency Regulations, an optional module that prepares aspiring agents for the FIFA Football Agent exam by helping them understand how to represent football players in accordance with FIFA regulations.
Interested in becoming a sports agent? As Dr Erkut Sogut explains, it’s the real-world application of the course that sets it apart. “The university and lecturers here give you the opportunity to learn from people who are out there in the business, which is very, very important for your future.”
