Federating (Getting Registered as a Player)

Most European soccer academies do assist players with getting registered with the official soccer federation, as this is a crucial step for players to participate in official competitions.

Registration Process

The registration process, often referred to as “federating” a player, is typically handled by the clubs or academies themselves. This is because:

Clubs and academies are usually licensed by their country’s football federation to act as intermediaries for player registration
The process requires specific documentation and procedures that academies are familiar with.
It’s in the academy’s interest to ensure their players are properly registered and eligible to compete.

Benefits of Academy Assistance

Academies helping with registration provides several advantages:

Expertise: They understand the specific requirements of their country’s federation.
Efficiency: Academies can streamline the process due to their experience.
Compliance: They ensure all necessary steps are completed correctly.

Examples by Country

Different European countries have slightly varying processes:

Spain: Clubs act as intermediaries with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to federate players
England: Clubs intercede with the English Football Association for player registration
France: Academies often facilitate the process with the French Football Federation
Italy: While the traditional “neighborhood team” structure exists, academies still play a crucial role in registration

International Players

For international players joining European academies, the process can be more complex:

Academies often assist with obtaining necessary visas and permits
They help navigate FIFA’s international clearance requirements for players over 10 years old
Some academies, like Alicante Football Academy, specialize in helping international players with the entire process, including visa applications and federation registration

In conclusion, while the specific procedures may vary by country and academy, most European soccer academies do provide significant assistance in getting players registered with the official soccer federation, recognizing this as an essential part of their role in developing young talent.