Dutch Football Academies Accused of Misleading Children With Professional Career Promises

A new study has raised concerns about the safety of children attending commercial football academies in the Netherlands.

Researchers found signs that some academies mislead families with promises that children could become professional footballers if their parents pay high training fees.

The Municipality of Amsterdam commissioned the study because of concerns about the influence of private academies on amateur football.

Researchers from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences interviewed 30 people and examined 41 football academies in and around Amsterdam.

Commercial academies offer children private training alongside the sessions they receive from their regular football clubs.

The researchers said these academies increasingly work with football clubs and player agents. However, the protection of young players has failed to keep pace with these connections.

“As this interconnectedness grows, oversight and the protection of underage players are lagging behind,” the researchers said.

The study also found indications of money laundering and the recruitment of people for drug-related crime at some academies.

Some academies reportedly allowed people with criminal records to work with children.

Researchers also found what they called “structural deception.” Some academies allegedly present their training as a quick route to a professional football career.

“They create the impression that you could become the next Messi, provided you are willing to pay exorbitant fees,” researcher Jan-Willem van der Roest said.

The report also raised concerns about hidden relationships between academies and player agents.

Academies usually make money by selling training sessions. They could earn more if an associated agent later represents a promising player.

The researchers said parents often receive little information about these financial relationships.

Commercial football academies currently have no common rules covering coaching qualifications or the way trainers should work with children.

This means almost anyone can open an academy and charge families for training without undergoing proper checks.

Van der Roest said the research identified risks and patterns. It did not determine how many academies engage in questionable practices.

He believes the issue extends beyond Amsterdam and requires national attention.

The study called for stronger supervision to protect young players and provide parents with clear information about academies, coaches and their links to football agents.