How do I register my child with a SAFA club?
Rule- South Africa
- SAFA
- Player registration
- Transfers
- Under-18
- SAFA Uniform Rules
- NSL Handbook
- 2026
- Parents
The club registers your child with SAFA. Only players currently registered by SAFA may play in SAFA's official competitions, and the rule is "no card, no play" (SAFA Competitions Uniform Rules 11 and 14).
When: registrations only happen in SAFA's registration periods:
| Competition | Registration period |
|---|---|
| SAFA Junior Football League (U13, U15) | February to October |
| Men's football | September and October, plus a February window |
| Women's football | February and March, plus a July-August window |
What you'll need to provide (Rule 14.5):
- the signed registration form from the club's registration book
- your child's passport or ID (certified copy)
- a transfer or clearance certificate if your child was with another team
- a completed medical report
- three recent colour passport-sized photos
How long it takes: the club must submit the forms within five days of signing, and SAFA issues the card on the fifth working day after the documents are handed in. Giving false information on a registration is an offence.
Updated 22 Oct 2026