Former player AbdulAziz Beneah calls for the regulation, oversight of football academies

Former footballer AbdulAziz Beneah has issued a warning to parents, urging them to exercise caution when enrolling their children in football academies.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Beneah raised concerns about the rise of unethical football academies, which, according to him, could negatively impact children's lives and future prospects in the sport.

Beneah, who is also the head coach of Makadara Junior League Soccer Academy FC, emphasized that while football academies play a critical role in nurturing talent, not all academies operate with the child's best interests at heart.

"Parents need to be very careful when selecting academies for their children," he said. "Some academies do not prioritize the well-being or moral development of the players, which can lead to damaging consequences for the children involved."

The former footballer urged parents to thoroughly research the academies they consider, ensuring they choose those with a proven track record of upholding good moral values and offering a safe environment for their children to grow both as athletes and individuals.

In addition to cautioning parents, Beneah called on the Ministry of Sports to take an active role in regulating football academies across the country. He highlighted the need for proper certification and oversight to ensure that all academies adhere to high standards.

"The Ministry of Sports should step in and ensure that every football academy in the country is certified," Beneah stated. "This certification should cover not just the infrastructure but also the qualifications of the coaches. Every coach should have undergone proper training to guide and mentor young players effectively."

Beneah’s call for regulation comes at a time when many football academies are cropping up across Kenya, with some operating without any formal oversight. He argued that without proper regulation, some of these academies could exploit young talent or fail to provide the necessary guidance and training that young players need to succeed in their football careers.

"Football is a passion for many young people in Kenya, and we need to protect that passion," Beneah added. "We need to ensure that our young footballers are not only developing their skills but also growing up in environments that foster their overall well-being."

Beneah further stated that ensuring that football academies uphold moral values and provide a safe and conducive environment for young players should be a shared responsibility, aimed at securing the future of the sport in Kenya. He also urged the Football Kenya Federation to work with the Kenya Football Coaches Association (KEFOCA) in the campaign.