Sporting Group International is continuing its expansion with the recruitment of experienced player and coach development specialist Dave Lawrence to lead its new Talent Management division in football.
Lawrence, who is a FIFA Licensed Agent and also holds a UEFA A Coaching Licence, boasts more than 20 years of experience in player and coach development. Most recently he was Director of Football for West Bromwich Albion Women, where he managed the first team in addition to all coaches and support staff.
Prior to that he delivered major community programmes, at local level and around the world, as lead of the West Bromwich Albion Foundation. He is also an experienced coach and worked closely with the club’s academy.
“Dave has played an important role in the development of multiple professional footballers from his time with West Bromwich Albion,” said Sporting Group International Chief Executive Adrian Wright.
“In a short time, he oversaw the transition of its women’s team from a community set-up into a professional operation. He is also acutely aware of the support that young footballers, and their families, need in stepping up from the academy into the professional game.
“Given the success of our talent management operation in India, we believe that Dave will be a fantastic asset for Sporting Group International in supporting young footballers on their journey in the game.”
In addition to its global headquarters in Birmingham, Sporting Group International has an Asia Office in New Delhi, which is currently supporting 40 footballers within the India Super League and I-League competitions. The firm also works closely with Kento Katayama and Ladoce Co Ltd academy in Spain.
Dave Lawrence said: “Having, worked extensively in the women’s game and more broadly in player development, it’s very exciting to provide more tailored support for players and their families through this new venture with Sporting Group International.
“Given the astronomical growth of the women’s game that we are seeing at home and around the world, we believe that we can play a big part in helping players navigate and establish themselves within the professional game, whilst also creating new commercial opportunities.
“However, given our strong networks in Spain and Asia, we also believe that we can create new opportunities for young players in the men’s game. Far too many players are released from top level academies without thought for the next stage of their career and this is an area where we know we can make a difference.”
Within Europe and Asia, Sporting Group International is supporting multiple sporting clubs, governing bodies and brands with commercial partnership opportunities, partnership activation and recruitment. Visit sportinggi.com for further details.
For further media information, please contact Tom Rawlings on 07789 813999 or email press@sportinggi.com
