Grassroots cry foul over new academy regulations

Sport and law

“It is the spirit of the law that we question,” said Kasule, whose Proline Football Club runs both a senior team and a youth setup under the same entity.

“Fufa and the government have no serious programme for sustainable youth football development - like a centre of excellence. Yet individuals go out of their way to grow the game, and now you just want to take from them without clearly defined benefits?”

The former KCC (now KCCA) forward was reacting to Fufa’s announcement that all previously registered football academies in the country have been deregistered and must now reapply under a stricter regime in line with the National Sports Act, 2023.

Per the Act - Part VII, Section 50(2) - anyone wishing to operate a sports academy must obtain a license from the National Council of Sports (NCS), approved by the respective national federation, in this case Fufa.

Costly process

But the process is costly. As per the fee structure released by NCS, application for a license, as well as the license itself to operate a sports academy, costs a total of Shs3m.

An application for renewal of the license to operate, and the renewed license itself, totals Shs1.5m. 

This excludes additional fees expected from Fufa’s own licensing process. Fufa Elite Football Development Manager Bashir Mutyaba says a panel of experts will soon determine those fees.

To Kasule, the charges amount to a squeeze on passionate individuals. “This law seems to target the few academies that now appear to operate like businesses.

“Fufa simply wants control,” he argued. “Let’s not forget the architect of the law,” he added, alluding to Fufa president Moses Magogo, who was instrumental in fast-tracking the Sports Act as Member of Parliament for Budiope East.

New licensing requirements include verifiable standards in infrastructure, governance, sporting performance, administration, and financial stability.

Fufa says academies will now be registered under a tiered system (A to D), with licenses valid for two years.

The federation has also introduced two annual registration windows - January and July - with the next application period set for July 2025.

While acknowledging the need for some form of regulation, Proline’s Kasule insists Fufa should have first put structures in place before demanding compliance.

“Show us a pathway,” he said. “If I comply, what do I gain? If I register, how do I benefit?”

Shared sentiments

He also decried what he called “double taxation,” saying Proline FC already registers the academy component under its seasonal club license.

Excel’s Gwayambadde echoed similar frustrations, warning that the new framework, while well-intentioned, could stifle those already doing the heavy lifting at the grassroots.

“As Excel, we are registered under the Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA), and I’ll consult them on the way forward,” he said. “But what I’d advise Fufa and NCS is this - let people be. If I register, what’s in it for me?”

Gwayambadde added: “At the end of the day, this is about the parents. If parents are happy, what is Fufa or NCS going to do about it? I run my programmes in schools - I could simply stop calling it an academy and avoid all this.”

While he also refers to his as an academy, Gwayambadde was gracious enough to acknowledge the reality on the ground.

“We don’t even have academies in the real sense. These are youth football programmes - often driven by individuals sacrificing their own time and resources.”

Both directors stressed the need for Fufa to offer more than just regulation - including capacity building, grants, and a genuine pathway for academies to connect with Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs and national teams.

“Fufa should come down to the grassroots and support these coaches,” said Gwayambadde. “They’ve done well offering coaching courses, but that’s not enough.

“Why not pick 50 youth programmes and give them at least Shs1m each in grants? That could go a long way in buying balls, cones, or bibs.”

Fufa says it’s good for the game

In its official communication, Fufa emphasizes that the new system is meant to align with national legislation and professionalise youth football development in Uganda.

“All football academies must now be licensed by the NCS, based on Fufa’s recommendation,” read part of the statement. “This process ensures that academies meet both national and federation-level standards.”

Fufa further outlined that it will not recommend any academy for licensing unless it complies fully with the federation’s internal regulations, as per Regulation 29 (2) of the National Sports Regulations 2025.

Application guidelines will be issued at least 30 days before each registration window.

Speaking to this publication, Fufa Elite Football Development Manager, Mutyaba, defended the changes, saying they are part of the federation’s new Technical Master Plan.

“What we are doing is the alignment of the structure,” said Mutyaba. “Under the Elite Football Programme, the best players will be given the best environment to succeed - and that is one of the benefits.”

He added that registered academies will have access to a unified curriculum (currently being finalised), standardized competitions, capacity-building opportunities, official recognition, recommendations for travel, and even equipment such as balls.

The fees charged by NCS

• Application for a license to operate a Sports academy - Shs1m

• License to operate a sports academy Shs2m

• Application for renewal of a license to operate a sports academy - Shs0.5m

• License to operate a sports academy at renewal - Shs1m

How youth football evolves elsewhere

England - Club Licensing + EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan)

• The English Premier League and FA introduced the EPPP to raise academy standards.

• Academies are graded from Category 1 (top tier) to Category 4 based on facilities, staffing, player education, and investment.

• Clubs receive funding based on their category but are also held accountable to minimum requirements.

• The focus is on long-term player development, education, and welfare.

Germany – DFB Certification System

• Every Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs must operate a licensed youth academy.

• The German Football Association (DFB) assesses academies across coaching quality, infrastructure, and dual education for players.

• Clubs are partly funded and supported to meet requirements, with emphasis on a holistic development approach.

France – FFF Federal Label & INF Clairefontaine Model

• The French Football Federation (FFF) offers labels for academies based on sporting, educational, and medical standards.

• France’s national academy at Clairefontaine sets the gold standard.

• Regional training centres are supported by the FFF, with formal pathways into professional clubs.

South Africa – Safa Compliance via PSL & NFD Clubs

• The South African Football Association (SAFA) works with Premier Soccer League (PSL) and National First Division (NFD) clubs.

• Academies tied to pro clubs are prioritized.

• Most independent academies partner with local schools and municipal councils, but many remain informal or semi-regulated due to capacity challenges.

Morocco – National Technical Centre Model

• The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has invested in centralized development hubs.

• Academies are linked to professional clubs and licensed based on merit and performance.

• Government and federation support is high, with incentives to meet standards.

Common themes in global best practice

• Support before enforcement: Most federations provide capacity building and financial support.

• Structured tiers: Gradation allows inclusivity while encouraging growth.

• Clear pathways: Academies often feed into national leagues or receive formal affiliation benefits.

• Federation investment: Equipment, education, and grants are typically offered upfront, not demanded first.