The Fastest Way to Kill Your Kid’s Football Career…

By Alan Deriard
Football Agent | Elite Football

Short Summary

Most players and parents believe that getting a scholarship or contract in football is the dream outcome.

On paper, it is.

In reality, it’s not always what they expect.

After years of placing players into clubs, one thing is clear:

Getting the opportunity is only the beginning.
What happens next is where most families get it wrong.

Why I’m Saying This

You’d think that once a player gets signed…

Everything becomes easy.

The hard work is done.
The stress disappears.
Everyone is happy.

But that’s not what actually happens.

From experience, it’s about 50/50.

Half the time, families are grateful.
Everything runs smoothly.

The other half?

Things start to go sideways.

What People Don’t See

People see the highlights:

Players signing
Scholarships offered
Contracts secured

What they don’t see is the reality behind the scenes.

Being a football agent means:

Delivering life-changing opportunities
But also having difficult conversations

Telling players they’re not being re-signed
Managing expectations
Dealing with pressure from families

Some of those moments are the lowest points in the job.

And they happen more often than people think.

The Shift That Happens

Here’s what surprised me the most.

Before an offer comes in:

Families are patient
They trust the process
They’re easy to work with

But the moment a contract or scholarship is offered…

Everything changes.

Expectations rise.
Opinions multiply.
And often, greed creeps in.

The Reality of Amateur Players

Most of the players we help are not professionals.

They are:

Amateur players
Players without clear pathways
Players overlooked in Australia

So when a club offers:

Accommodation
Food
Transport
Registration
Sometimes even a wage

That is already a strong first step.

But instead of recognising the opportunity…

Some families start asking for more.

The Problem With Leverage

This is the part most people don’t understand.

If you are an amateur player getting your first opportunity:

You have no leverage.

Not some leverage.

Zero.

Unless you are at the very top level globally, clubs have options.

Many options.

And pushing too hard can cost you everything.

When Things Fall Apart

There have been situations where:

Parents tried to renegotiate deals themselves
Ignored advice
Went directly to clubs

And every time, it ends the same way.

The opportunity disappears.

Clubs move on quickly.
Players get replaced instantly.

And years later…

Those same players are still stuck at the same level.

What Actually Gets Players Signed

People think success is all about talent.

It’s not.

The reality looks more like this:

70% = the work done behind the scenes
30% = the player’s performance

Both matter.

But without the right structure, timing, and execution…

Talent alone is not enough.

A Real Example

Recently, we secured a professional contract for a player.

Everything was covered:

Accommodation
Food
Transport
Salary

A genuine opportunity at a high level.

The player was great to work with.
The process was smooth.

Then a parent stepped in.

They questioned decisions.
They challenged advice.
They created friction.

Even after getting a result that was 10x better than the player’s current situation…

It still wasn’t enough.

That’s the reality.

What Most Families Get Wrong

They overvalue the outcome…

And undervalue the process it took to get there.

They see the contract.

But not:

The relationships
The negotiations
The risk
The positioning
The timing

And that misunderstanding is what causes problems.

The Truth About This Industry

Football is not just about playing.

It’s business.

Clubs make decisions based on:

Value
Risk
Relationships

Not emotion.

If you don’t understand that…

You will struggle.

What Actually Matters

If you’re serious about this pathway, ask yourself:

Do we understand how the system works?
Are we adding value or creating friction?
Are we focused on progress or control?
Do we trust the process once we start it?

Because once an opportunity comes…

How you handle it determines everything.

Final Thoughts

A scholarship or contract is not the finish line.

It’s the entry point.

What matters is:

How you handle the opportunity
Who you trust
And whether you understand your position

Because in this industry…

You don’t get multiple chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting a football scholarship the hardest part?
No. It’s just the beginning. Managing the opportunity is just as important.

Do players have leverage when they first get signed?
No. Most amateur players have little to no leverage in negotiations.

Why do opportunities fall through?
Often due to poor decisions, unrealistic expectations, or interference during the process.

Can parents negatively impact opportunities?
Yes. Misunderstanding the industry can lead to lost deals.

What determines long-term success?
Structure, timing, behaviour, and decision-making alongside performance.

Author: Alan Deriard
Football Agent | Elite Football
Website: https://www.elitefootball.com.au