Profile completeness77%

Avid Sports & Entertainment Group

Family-First Agency

UK €22mm

65Players

€22mmPortfolio

About

Avid Sports & Entertainment Group is a London -based football agency founded in 2018 by David Baldwin, after more than a decade at one of the UK’s larger agencies. The company positions itself as a “young and innovative” management firm with a strong family feel and client-first culture. Its network and staff cover the UK, Central America, South America, Asia, Portugal and Colombia, combining on-the-ground regional expertise with a central London hub. Avid represents a mix of experienced internationals and younger talents across men’s and women’s football, with activity in more than 20 countries and a growing presence in women’s football via moves like Paula Partido’s transfer from Real Madrid to London City Lionesses.

Key People

CEO/Founder: David Baldwin

Founder & Managing Director, long-time UK intermediary with prior experience running his own firm and working at a major agency before launching Avid in 2018. - Managing Director / Head of Football: David Baldwin – oversees global football operations, senior negotiations and strategic partnerships. - Head of Media and Comms: Janina Escofet – Was in charge of the coverage of FC Barcelona for a Spanish media outlet. - Licensed agents: David Baldwin – Owner, Managing Director, FA–registered intermediary (UK) - Eduardo Pedemonte – Licensed intermediary, Central America lead (Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, MLS/South America) - James Hardy – Licensed intermediary, Asia–Pacific lead (Australian–born, based in Colombia; strong A–League and Asian market focus) - John Wake – FA–registered intermediary, UK & Balkan markets - Darren Leslie – Licensed intermediary with 20+ years in financial services and Scottish scouting background - Filipe Lages – UEFA B–licensed coach & consultant, Portugal market and youth scouting - Javier Vásquez – Senior Colombian coach & consultant, youth development and South American scouting - Additional intermediaries and consultants (e.g. Den Balla, Lee Naylor) focusing on Italy, Albania and UK youth pathways.

Notable Deals

2018–2019 – Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal to Juventus – Free transfer negotiated after Avid publicly confirmed Ramsey’s need to find a new club; key exit from Arsenal leading to a long-term deal in Serie A. - 2023 – Emmanuel Sabbi – Odense BK to Le Havre AC – Permanent move to Ligue 1 for around €1m, setting up his later transfer to Vancouver Whitecaps in 2025 on a multi-year deal. - 2023 – Kenneth Vargas – CS Herediano to Heart of Midlothian – Forward’s move to Scotland on a reported six-figure fee. - 2023 – Ryan Leak – move to Ross County – Centre-back stepping up to the Scottish Premiership in a free transfer, highlighted by the agency as a key Scottish deal. - 2024 – Alexander Lind – Silkeborg to Pisa SC – Avid assisted partner agency CMA Group in the transfer of the Danish forward to Serie B side Pisa. - 2025 – Paula Partido – Real Madrid to London City Lionesses, then loan to DUX Logroño – Spain youth international’s multi-step move into WSL and Liga F, signalling Avid’s growing role in the women’s game. Fees shown are indicative estimates (not official).

Services

- Career management – Long-term planning from youth to late-career, including contract strategy, club moves and post-career transitions. - Contract negotiation & transfers – Domestic and international moves, including free transfers, loans and permanent deals in Europe, MLS, Asia and Latin America. - Commercial & image rights – Sponsorship strategy, brand partnerships and activation with sportswear and lifestyle brands, with emphasis on keeping focus on football performance. - Finance & legal – In-house financial and legal support plus external partners, covering tax, contract review and broader life-planning for players and their families. - Social & digital – Advisory on social media, online reputation and personal brand-building. - Troubleshooting & concierge – Day-to-day problem solving, relocation support and family matters, delivered via a “family feel” management approach.