The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially opened applications for football academies following the approval and rollout of its Registered Football Academy Licensing Regulations 2025.
The move marks the start of the implementation phase of the new regulatory framework, aimed at standardizing and professionalizing academy operations across the country. Interested football training establishments are required to submit an expression of interest via email to the Association before proceeding with documentation and inspection processes.
Under the new regulations, which take immediate effect, clubs currently using the term “Academy” in their names have until the end of the 2025/26 season to meet the stipulated licensing requirements. Clubs that fail to comply will be required to drop the term and operate strictly as football clubs.
Prospective academies must undergo a rigorous inspection and satisfy all regulatory standards before certification. The framework is designed to ensure a safe, structured and professional environment for players aged between six and 18.
Licensed academies will receive annually renewable licences, with approved institutions published on the GFA’s official website. Each academy must appoint a Safeguarding Officer and participate in district-level leagues as part of broader efforts to enhance player welfare and development nationwide.
