Two UCFB graduates who run their own sports and entertainment agency have announced their first long-term player contract with Premier League giants Liverpool.
Saad Wadia and Raj Shah, who co-founded and run Avalon Sports Group and are both BA (Hons) International Football Business graduates, have secured a deal for 18-year-old defender Owen Beck. Beck is currently in Austria with the first-team squad as they step-up preparations ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Speaking about Beck’s signing, Saad said: “We’re all very proud of Owen and it’s a special day for the family. Born into a die-hard LFC family, this is definitely a dream come true moment. He’s had to fight extremely hard and was always written off due to his size, but he’s been very patient and never gave up. I’m excited to see him continue growing as a footballer and a person.”
Since Saad and Raj graduated from UCFB in 2017 the pair have continued to grow their company and client base, which includes representing Liverpool legend Ian Rush.
Commenting on their success and growth in that time, Saad added: “Avalon Sports Management was founded whilst we were at UCFB at the start of our second year. We had a long-term vision and it’s something we have stuck to since leaving.
“At UCFB I said I wanted to be involved in projects at the highest level in sport in the next five years. We have been very fortunate to have been part of the Liverpool FC camp behind the scenes, and have experienced Liverpool winning the Champions League and Premier League in that time.
“We have now also signed our first five-year contract with one of the best teams in the world and that makes me really proud of how far we have come. This is just the start for us and we are grateful for everyone who supported us when we started with just a desk at UCFB Wembley.”
