The problem of Private Academies in Gratifacio

Gratifacio is similar to many other associations in CAF which have challenges with private academies. These academies operate entirely outside the control of the FFG. They are not illegal, they are all registered with the Government of Gratifacio as establishments providing education for boys up to the age of 16. As such they have to provide Certificate Level Education with an approved Curriculum.

We believe these organisations are often a means of 'selling' footballing talent into Europe. It is an issue for the FFG. In some CAF countries the national association has an arrangement to work with the academies for the benefit of the national game. For example, Zambia has MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) arrangements with a large number of existing academies in the provinces.

The issues for the FFG are

The Academies are unlicensed and not recognised by CAF, FFG or any other footballing body. They have links with European Agents and again some of these people are unlicenced.

The Academies are taking some of the best talent. Once outside the FFG it is difficult to track players. Fixtures are friendlies and do not require club or player registration.

Local connections. Both Legends in Alami, Hassan, and Koury, and Eagles in Alami, are well-established ate Academies. Although very few boys have successfully gone from these Private Academies into the professional game they have a reputation in their local communities for being a route to riches.

Both Academy organisations are proactive. They incentivise local scouts, coaches and officials and offer small cash rewards for finding players. With small amounts of money they have been able to access almost all of children's and youth football in Gratifacio.

It is believed that the Academies are providing some financial incentives for families to commit their child to them and them alone. Signing contracts or 'family commitments' as they call them, is illegal. However there is evidence it is taking place.

Both Academy organisations run open trials throughout the year. They take place across the country and are especially popular in the coastal towns and in Alami. At these trials former professionals players, including Gratifacio internationals, appear and endorse them.

There are over a hundred obscure Private Football Academies in Gratifacio. There are also countless others which often simply individuals who set themselves up as one to one coaches. finally, there better known well-established Academies including the two best known which are -

Alami

Legends Academy - 30 boys

Eagles Academy - 27boys

Hassan

Legends Academy - est 18 boys

Koury

Legends Academy - est 18 boys

These numbers appear small but the boys are typical of those whom the FFG would prefer to be within their reach.