Protection of Minors at SCO Academy
At SCO Academy, we are fully committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and ethical development of every young player in our program. Football should be a pathway to success, not a risk. That is why we provide a structured, legally compliant, and secure environment where young athletes can train, learn, and grow without exploitation or unnecessary risks.
Our commitment to Young Players
​Preventing Blind Migration & Illegal Transfers
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Many young African players leave their home countries without proper career planning, often falling victim to exploitation, financial instability, or abandonment abroad.
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SCO Academy is dedicated to preventing premature migration, ensuring young athletes receive quality training and structured career planning at home before considering international opportunities.
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We strictly follow FIFA’s regulations on international transfers of minors, ensuring that no player under 18 is transferred abroad without full legal, parental, and FIFA approval.
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Education & Career Guidance
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Football is important, but education is essential. We ensure that our players receive academic support alongside their training.
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SCO Academy provides career counseling, mentorship programs, and language training to help young players develop beyond football.
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We work directly with families to develop clear career plans, ensuring each player has a safe and structured future whether they continue in professional football or choose a different path.
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Ethical Recruitment & Player Development
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SCO Academy only collaborates with certified agents, clubs, and football organizations to ensure fair and transparent opportunities for players.
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We do not tolerate illegal scouting, forced contracts, or unregulated trials abroad that put young players at risk.
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Every player and their family receives full transparency on career pathways, potential contracts, and development plans.​​​
​For any inquiries regarding player safety, recruitment policies, or legal compliance, please contact us directly.
Legal References & Compliance
SCO Academy is officially accredited by the Ministry of Sports (Minsep), ensuring that we operate within national and international legal frameworks.
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We strictly follow Article 19 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, which prohibits the international transfer of minors under 18, except under the following exceptions:
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The player’s parents move to the destination country for reasons not linked to football.
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The transfer takes place within the European Union or European Economic Area, and the player is at least 16 years old.
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The player lives within 50 km of the border between two countries.
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Other special circumstances approved by FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee.
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We adhere to international conventions protecting young athletes, including:
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) – Ensuring children's right to education, protection, and development.
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ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour (1999) – Preventing child exploitation in sports.
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The African Union’s Plan of Action on Trafficking in Persons (2006) – Combatting illegal migration of young athletes.
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We work closely with reputable sports agencies, national football federations, and legal experts to ensure that all player transfers, contracts, and development programs comply with FIFA and national labor laws.