LAX Global has big impact on Jamaican players

LAX Global, a multinational athletic agency, has enjoyed considerable success in helping Jamaican footballers take the next step in their professional careers, and Founder and Executive Chairman Saqlain Wildman said the organisation continues to expand its reach and impact.

Founded in 2015 by Wildman while he was still in high school, LAX Global has successfully placed numerous footballers in colleges and professional teams, particularly in the United States.

The organisation, which has 10 branches across four countries, has secured full scholarships for approximately 120 students, and facilitated opportunities for Jamaicans living both in Jamaica and the United States to attend try-outs in the US and Europe. It has also established a strong record of helping players gain entry into various programmes.

“It is about helping youngsters transition into football abroad, whether through university or going professional. So the code is helping youngster transition to the next level of football, whether it be professional or collegiate football, “ Wildman told The Gleaner.

Although the organisation is open to all nationalities, Wildman said significant emphasis is placed on Jamaicans, with about 60 to 70 per cent of its clientele either coming from the island or having Jamaican connections.

“Out of 100 per cent, I would say 60 to 70 per cent of our focus is on helping Jamaicans taking the next step,” he declared.

Last year, the company invested $5 million to assist 10 players with visas, accommodation, transportation, food and other expenses related to travelling to and from the United States. Wildman said the organisation plans to invest another $5 million this year.

“Although $5 million doesn’t really help a lot, it is a stepping stone, especially for those most in need, because it is trials season right now. We want them to get the best opportunities out there.”

LAX Global operates academies in Jamaica, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. It also owns US-based amateur club LAX FC, which is scheduled to turn professional next year.

LAX FC also has a strong Jamaican presence, with 18 members of the current squad being of Jamaican descent.

Wildman said considerable effort goes into developing players at the Jamaica-based LAX academy under head coach Javaune Codlin, whose assessment is heavily relied upon when determining whether a player is ready to take the next step.

Successful academy-

level try-outs

Although most of the organisation’s success has come in the United States, the agency has also recorded successful academy-level try-outs in Europe at clubs including Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

LAX Global also works with a strong group of Nigerian players, a few of whom currently compete in the Jamaica Premier League.

The organisation, which also has a charitable arm, aims to support talented players in need of opportunities. Wildman said one of the factors that sets the agency apart is that players it has not developed are not charged for trial opportunities unless they are successful.

The next step, he said, is to professionalise the club and expand its reach across the Caribbean to assist more talented players.

“The next step is just retaining very good talent, especially from the Caribbean, because there is just raw talent in every community, compared to the rest of the world where you have to develop those talents and teach them.

“What’s in Jamaica, it is just pure raw talent, and getting most of our talent exposed is our focus and to help more kids.”

Wildman was quick to point out that the agency is not limited to footballers, but has also worked with athletes from other sports as well as entertainers.

“It (agency) is dominated by soccer but we have placed track and field and basketball stars before. If we have 300 clients, 295 of them are soccer players and about five would do something like entertainment or other sports, “ he pointed.

“We started in 2015 and ‘officialised’ it in 2016. Two years after that, we expanded to Canada. In 2024, we expanded in the US and it has been going good.

“In the US, we have a semi-professional club and it turns professional next year. It has been a tremendous growth and is something that we are really proud of,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com