Academy and Centre of Excellence Players
Wednesday 26 September 2012By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:48:59
Following a number of enquiries received by ESFA HQ regarding the above, we would like to clarify the situation regarding the use of Academy and / or Centre of Excellence players in ESFA National Cup competitions.
The following rule was passed at the ESFA AGM in June and will apply from the start of Season 2012-2013:
“In Individual School/College competitions, a maximum of three players who attend the same FA Licensed Academy/Centre of Excellence run by a club that employs contract players can participate in a match.”
The rationale behind this rule change was to (1) minimise the impact that a whole team of players from the same Academy/Centre of Excellence can have on a National Cup Competition, and (2) to ensure that schools field genuine school players, rather than a whole team of those who have joined the school as part of an Academy-based programme.
If you have any queries regarding this new rule, please email comeptitions@esfa.co.uk for clarification.
