FA Dispensation

The FA’s Rules prescribe age groups for children to play in which are designed to ensure that they compete with peers of similar size and development. For some children however, playing in the prescribed age group would put them at a substantial disadvantage to their teammates, discouraging them from being involved or making it impossible for them to access football.

Who is covered by the policy? Any child who:

has a disability.
has a significant physical developmental delay (SPDD)
is schooled no more than one year behind their prescribed age group and would be placed at a substantial disadvantage if required to play in their prescribed age group.

Parents need to apply in Whole Game System. Please check the FAQ for details on completing this.

International Clearance

To apply for dispensation for your child to play outside of their prescribed age group, please fill out our dispensation application form along with supporting evidence to support the rationale for your application.

Who is covered by the policy? Any child who:

a) has a disability.

b) has a significant physical developmental delay (SPDD)

c) is schooled no more than one year behind their prescribed age group and would be placed at a substantial disadvantage if required to play in their prescribed age group.

In accordance with FIFA Regulations, International Clearance international clearance is required for any player over the age of 10 who is seeking to register for a club in England and has previously been registered for a club abroad (including the other Home Associations), or who is a foreign national seeking to register for the first time in this country.

The FA will contact the FA of the players birth to approve the clearance. You should allow 30 days for the clearance to come through once the English FA receive the request.

As you can see below you will need to collect a number of documents to support the application - the application must be initiated by Caversham AFC and not the parent, email: secretary@cavershamafc.co.uk

There is now a portal to initiate the request.

Please discuss the situation with the parents to see which article to apply with.

All applications will require copies of the following documents:
• Birth certificate of the player
• Passport of the player

The following documents will also be required depending on the exception the application falls under:
Article 19.2a)
• Father’s passport
• Mother’s passport
• Proof of residence (recent utility bill)
• Employment contract of parent(s) OR letter from employer confirming start date and currently employed
• Work permit for parents (if outside EU)

Article 19.2c)
• Proof of player’s home address and the applicant Club’s ground (distances will be checked via Google Maps)
• Proof of residence of player

Article 19 par. 3 and 4) “5 Year Rule”
• Proof of residence of player:
- Official letter from school(s) confirming player has been in continuous education for five or more years OR
evidence of proof of residence on arrival into England and evidence of proof of residence at present time

There is a PDF form that needs to be completed to start the process. This form cannot be saved but can be printed. It is best to collate all the relevant information prior to completing the form and get the parent to validate they are happy before the club submits the application.
There are guidance notes to help with the application.