In this post, I am going to take you through the step by step process of how to register a football academy in South Africa and other necessary information worth knowing about club registration.
Without wasting much time let’s get into the details!
About Registering Football Academy In South Africa
A football academy means a training establishment operated by the Football Club in accordance with this section of these rules which is inclusive of the academic and/or educational needs of students above the sporting development.
If you are thinking of registering a football academy in South Africa then first you must download a soccer academy registration form and sign up to become a member. The application form must be completed by the person applying for the Players Agents License.
The South African Football Association is responsible for issuing the license but before they do that there are certain requirements that applicants need to meet before they are granted the license to operate.
So let’s look at the requirements needed to register a football academy in South Africa.
Requirements To Register A Football Academy
Below are some of the requirements needed in order to operate a football academy in South Africa.
A. Playing Facility
1. The minimum playing facilities to be provided at a Football Academy shall be:
a) 1 suitable playing area measuring 80 metres by 55 metres for every 40 students registered in age groups Under 9 to Under 12;
b) 1 suitable playing area measuring 90 metres by 65 metres for each 30 students registered in age groups Under 13 to Under 14;
c) 1 suitable playing area measuring 90 metres by 65 metres for each 26 students registered in age groups Under 15 to Under 16;
d) 1 outdoor full size pitch suitable for use by age groups Under 17 to Under 21;
e) 1 outdoor artificial surface pitch;
f) 1 outdoor standard soft soil surface pitch;
g) 1 indoor playing area measuring 70 metres by 50 metres;
B. Amenities
1. The minimum amenities to be provided at a Football Academy shall be:
a) adequate medical treatment and examination areas;
b) adequate changing, washing and toilet facilities for the number of students registered there;
c) adequate homework and study area for 40 students;
d) parents’ lounge;
e) computerized registration and student records;
f) ‘eMail’ and Internet links to the Club.
2. Except for the indoor playing area referred to in Rule 22.7, the minimum facilities and accommodation to be provided at a Satellite Football Academy shall be all those required under the provisions of Rule 22.
3. The minimum facilities and accommodation to be provided at a Centre of Excellence and a Satellite Centre of Excellence shall be:
a) a coaching area of a size considered by the Committee to be appropriate for the number of students registered there;
b) adequate changing, washing and toilet facilities for such number of students;
c) a separate treatment room;
d) speedy access to qualified medical assistance.
C. Staff Requirements
1. No person shall be employed in any capacity whatsoever at a Football Club Academy, a Centre of Excellence, a Satellite Football Academy, Development Centre or a Satellite Centre of Excellence unless:
a) That person has completed and submitted to the Director of the Football Academy or Centre of Excellence at whose satellite he/she seeks to be employed a self-certification form CM04; and
b) Copies of Form CM04 duly completed by that person have been by the Academy or Centre of Excellence Director to the police and to the Local authority for verification; and
c) His particulars are entered in a staff register in Form CM05 kept and maintained at the Football Club Academy or Centre of Excellence at which or at whose satellite he is employed.
2. There shall be made available for inspection by a duly appointed officer of the Football Association at all reasonable times:
a) Forms CM04 in respect of all members of staff currently employed at the Football Club Academy or Centre for Excellence; and
b) Written evidence that each Form CM04 has been sent to the police and to the Local authority and any response received from either, and
c) The staff register.
3. At each Football Club Academy and Centre of Excellence operated by the Club or organization, a member of staff trained in child protection issues shall be given specific responsibility for the same and in particular shall:
a) Prepare and ensure strict compliance with a written child protection policy based on and incorporating the principles set out in national Child Protection Policy Framework;
b) Maintain the staff register, making it available for inspection as required;
c) Liaise with Students, parents, staff, the police, the Social Services and Welfare Department of the Local Authority, the Youth Development Committee, and other relevant persons and bodies in relation to child protection issues;
d) Promote awareness of child protection issues generally and encourage and monitor the adoption of best practice procedures in that regard.
Fees Involved To Register A Football Academy
SAFA charges some fees to process the registration of Football Academies but unfortunately, we couldn’t get any information on the fees charged by SAFA during this process.
Soccer Academy Registration Forms
Click the link below to download a printable copy of SAFA soccer academy registration form.
Where to register a football club in South Africa
South African Football Association (SAFA) is the registration body for all football academies in South Africa.