Dr. Wilde has been instrumental in the creation and advancement of numerous high-caliber sports business qualifications. He has been at the forefront of developing pioneering MSc degrees in football and sport, alongside a variety of undergraduate programs.
Under his stewardship, the MSc degrees at UCFB achieved recognition in Sports Business Magazine’s Global Top 25 Postgraduate Programmes, notably receiving the highest employability rating among all listed institutions. This success is attributed to the program's strong industry connections and the practical application of coursework, where students engage with real-life organisations to enhance the value and prestige of their degrees.
He played a pivotal role in the acclaimed MSc Sports Directorship program, conducted in collaboration with VSI, which has been a catalyst for many students' progression within the sports sector. Graduates of the MSc programs under his guidance have secured positions in key organizations such as the Premier League, The FA, Everton FC, West Ham United, Chelsea FC, Nike, Adidas, Tottenham Hotspur, DAZN, Brentford FC, MK Dons, Rangers, Tongue Tied, and B-Engaged, showcasing the expansive network he has cultivated through the success of his students.
An expert in online and distance learning, Dr. Wilde has developed innovative content for various MSc sports programs, further demonstrating his commitment to educational excellence.
His academic influence extends internationally as a visiting Professor at Real Madrid’s Graduate School at the Universidad Europea in Madrid, where he instructs in both English and Spanish. Additionally, he consults for their Master in Sports Psychology and contributes to Torrens University in Australia, the City Football Leadership Institute, and the London Campus of Amos Sports Business School.
Dr. Wilde's expertise is not confined to academia; he has practical experience in sports management, having established the Charlton Athletic United States Soccer Academy (CAUSSA) in Tucson, Arizona, and co-founding a pioneering degree program at a football club in Belgium in partnership with Heidelberg University, Ohio.
A holder of an FA Coaching Award, Dr. Wilde has also scouted for several football league clubs in England. His research endeavors include working with the marketing director of Boca Juniors in Argentina, where he studied football fan consumer behavior, and he is recognized as one of the first European sports researchers to conduct studies in Argentina.
A fluent Spanish speaker, Dr. Wilde is a regular visitor to Spain and has a profound appreciation for global football, including the African football market. He is eager to collaborate with influential football agents and contribute to the nurturing of young talent at academies in Ghana. He is a staunch advocate for the programme, believing in its potential to shape aspiring football agents and to holistically develop young players into exemplary individuals.
Dr. Wilde has thoroughly researched the market and understands that the key to the programme's success lies in granting students access to young players at clubs and academies in Ghana. He is enthusiastic about managing this new initiative and is confident in its ability to forge the next wave of football agents and representatives.
Despite the initial absence of remuneration, Mike credits his hands-on experience working alongside seasoned agents as the pivotal factor in his professional development and subsequent success.
In 2013, Mike, alongside a fellow lead agent, transitioned to Unique Sports Management, which has since evolved into Unique Sports Group. Here, he has risen to the position of Senior Agent and has become an integral stakeholder in the company.
Mike's impressive roster of clients includes the likes of Michail Antonio, Reece James, and Jamaal Lascelles. His expertise extends to orchestrating transactions for celebrated players such as Wilfried Zaha, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Leon Bailey.
With a comprehensive portfolio, Mike has adeptly represented players at every stage of their careers, from academy talents negotiating their inaugural professional contracts to seasoned international stars, managing the multifaceted demands associated with high-profile athletes. Over the years, he has successfully negotiated in excess of 100 football contracts across various leagues, including the Premier League, EFL, SPL, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Liga Portugal, and the Ghana Premier League. Additionally, he has secured lucrative endorsement deals for his clients with leading global brands.
Currently, Mike is furthering his expertise by pursuing a Master's degree in Sports Directorship at Manchester Metropolitan University, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional growth and leadership in the field of sports management.
Representing a number of top flight Premier League and International players, Marlon brings a wealth of expertise and industry know-how giving students unrivalled access to ‘real world’ top level experiences within the football industry.
From a clients first professional contract to their transition away from the pitch upon retirement, Marlon has been there and played a pivotal role in the careers of multiple high profile players.
Pulling on his first hand experiences, Marlon is able to share a unique insight into the roles, responsibilities and skill set required to be an aspiring agent.
Overseeing, nurturing and guiding the pathways of not just his players but his team of agents at Unique Sports Group, the agency has seen exponential growth to become a 360 full service agency inclusive of on pitch representation, commercial, social, content and PR.
He is an affiliate of Unique Sports Group, an esteemed agency acclaimed by Forbes and Transfermarkt as a top-tier global agency, boasting a combined market value in excess of £670 million.
In his pivotal role at Unique Sports Group, Nana leads the football operations for the agency's African subsidiary, focusing on the acquisition of top-tier African football talent. His extensive network includes a cadre of elite players, coaches, clubs, scouts, and other key figures within the Ghanaian football industry, complemented by substantial connections within European and English football circles.
Nana's expertise is not limited to player representation; he has a profound understanding of the business side of football, informed in perspectives from both the African and European contexts. He holds a Master's degree in Sports Business and the Business of Football from Birkbeck University of London. His professional background is marked by tenures at Impact Sports Management, one of the UK's largest agencies at the time, and executive roles at two Premier League clubs.
Additionally, Nana is a seasoned academic with over eight years of teaching experience at UCFB Wembley, an institution renowned for its specialised degrees in football and sports. As an expert in sports contract negotiation, he has developed and led a module entitled 'Negotiation and Winning Contracts,' which he has adeptly delivered to Level 6 students at UCFB for seven consecutive years.