How do I transfer to another club?

These are the rules in The FA's Standard Codes of Rules (2026/27 FA Handbook). The youth code is mandatory for all mini-soccer and youth leagues. The open-age code is mandatory for women's leagues at Tier 7 and below of the Women's Pyramid, and for mixed adult competitions.

1. Your new club submits a transfer to the league (through the Player Registration System for open-age leagues, or on the league's transfer form for youth leagues). A transfer fee may apply; youth leagues can charge up to £10.
2. The league refers it to your current club, which has 3 days to object in writing to the league and to you.
3. If your current club agrees or doesn't object within 3 days, the league secretary can approve the transfer, and you can play for the new club from the date the league sets.
4. If your current club objects, the league's management committee decides.

Other rules:

• You can't play for another club in the same league, or for another team in the same age group, in the same season without first being transferred.
• Each league sets a deadline after which registrations and transfers need special permission from its management committee.
• If you are 10 or over and moving from a club in another country, including Wales, Scotland or Ireland, your new club must get international clearance before you can play.
• Registrations are valid for one season only.