News, progress and practical football insight.
Follow NEXTGEN as we build player pathways, grow the football network, strengthen protection standards and share the people and partnerships behind the work.
NEXTGEN Africa Team officially launches and applications are now open
NEXTGEN Africa Team brings selected African U18 and U19 players together in Guinea for structured assessment, competitive matches and continued pathway support. Applications are now open.
News, stories and insight.
Follow foundation progress, player development, football network growth, protection standards and the people helping build NEXTGEN.
From Goal4Africa to NEXTGEN Foundation: A Vision Rebuilt for the Next Generation
In 2008, Chris Vermeeren brought football, education and African opportunity together through Goal4Africa. Today, as Founder of NEXTGEN Foundation, he is building the next chapter of that mission through responsible, player first pathways.
Lesedi Alset returns to CP Mijas Las Lagunas
NEXTGEN congratulates South African midfielder Lesedi Alset on his return to CP Mijas Las Lagunas for the 2026/27 Segunda Federación season.
Mawuli Mensah signs for AD Ceuta FC
NEXTGEN congratulates Ghanaian midfielder Mawuli Mensah on his move to AD Ceuta FC for the next two seasons.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Isaac Akom Berima
Founder and CEO of Odeefour Sports Management, bringing a local perspective on Ghanaian grassroots football and player development.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Robert Attafuah Annafi
Ghanaian football coach and scout Robert Attafuah Annafi joins the NEXTGEN Advisory Network with experience in youth development, talent identification, safeguarding and player support.
Red Lion Soccer Academy joins the NEXTGEN Football Network
Red Lion Soccer Academy joins the NEXTGEN Football Network, adding a nonprofit residential environment that combines youth football development, daily support and education in Obo, Kwahu, Ghana.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Daniel Anomah
Football scout and youth football advocate Daniel Anomah, based in Ghana, joins the NEXTGEN Advisory Network with grassroots knowledge, player welfare awareness and experience supporting emerging talent.
Pitso Mosimane appointed Bafana Bafana head coach
NEXTGEN congratulates advisor Pitso Mosimane following his appointment as head coach of South Africa’s senior men’s national team, Bafana Bafana.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Kamatali Jean Bosco
BRIGHT SOCCER Rwanda founder and Technical Director Kamatali Jean Bosco joins the NEXTGEN Advisory Network with practical experience in youth coaching, player development and community football.
BRIGHT SOCCER Rwanda joins the NEXTGEN Football Network
BRIGHT SOCCER Rwanda joins the NEXTGEN Football Network, adding a structured youth development environment that supports approximately 160 young players through coaching, competition and community activity in Ruhango District.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Dr. Kingsley Owusu-Achau
Bechem United president Dr. Kingsley Owusu-Achau joins the NEXTGEN Advisory Network with experience in club leadership, player development, business and community impact.
Bechem United joins the NEXTGEN Football Network
Bechem United joins the NEXTGEN Football Network, bringing a Ghana Premier League environment, experienced club leadership, responsible local player development and strong community perspective.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Nigel Munyati
AYSA founder Nigel Munyati joins the NEXTGEN Advisory Network, bringing extensive experience in youth football, education, governance, strategy and international development.
Aces Youth Soccer Academy joins the NEXTGEN Football Network
Aces Youth Soccer Academy joins the NEXTGEN Football Network, bringing an established Zimbabwean model that combines responsible player development, education, mentorship and practical life skills.
NEXTGEN Foundation and SOAR Academy join forces to develop Guinean football talent
The NEXTGEN Foundation and SOAR Academy partnership now supports the NEXTGEN Africa Team. The Guinea preparation camp will be hosted at SOAR Academy, with Mariador Hotels as the main accommodation sponsor.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Pitso Mosimane
One of Africa’s most decorated modern football managers, bringing championship level coaching, leadership and grassroots development experience.
Player ProtectionHow NEXTGEN protects the player, the family and the future
NEXTGEN’s protection framework is designed around player voice, family involvement, transparent opportunities, safeguarding, independent advice and informed decisions.
NEXTGEN Success Story: Lesedi Steve Alset
A long term pathway from academy development into elite youth football, Segunda Federación and two promotion winning senior teams in Spain.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: SOAR Academy
Guinean football club and academy competing in Ligue 2 after relegation from the top flight in 2025. SOAR previously finished runner up in Ligue 1 and reached the group stage of the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup, giving the club recent top flight and continental experience.
Foundation NewsOne mission, clear roles: why NEXTGEN separates Foundation, Academy, agent and private services
NEXTGEN uses one mission but clear operating boundaries so charitable support, paid Academy services, football agent work and private player and family services are not mixed together.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Satya den Boer
European academy scouting and player development experience, strengthened by the mindset and discipline of a high performance athlete.
Player ProtectionPlayer contracts: what to check before signing
A professional football contract is more than salary. Players and families should understand the term, pay, bonuses, welfare, image rights, options, transfer clauses and the rules that apply before signing.
Football academy pathwaysFootball pathways in Spain and Africa: how NEXTGEN reviews players
A practical guide to NEXTGEN academy pathways in Spain, the NEXTGEN Africa Team and sponsored football development.
Mohamed Rashid joins the NEXTGEN Advisory Network
Sports executive and football strategist connecting East African talent, academy development, international scouting and sports investment relationships.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: NEXTGEN Academy Málaga
NEXTGEN’s academy environment in Málaga, Spain, used for structured development, assessment and preparation for the next suitable club level. UEFA licensed coaching supports both self funded and sponsored players within NEXTGEN’s wider European pathway.
PartnershipsHow clubs and development partners can support NEXTGEN without acquiring control over the player
A club or development partner can support NEXTGEN programmes and future opportunities, but funding must remain separate from player ownership, representation and independent sporting decisions.
Player ProtectionPlayer transfers: separating club economics from player rights
A clear transfer should separate club compensation, future sale rights, player employment, player transfer participation, training rewards and agent representation, without giving anyone ownership of the player.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: ACAKORO Football Academy
Youth football and education academy founded in 2013 in Korogocho, Nairobi. ACAKORO runs six football teams and combines structured coaching with school participation, tutoring, life skills and welfare support.
NEXTGEN Success Story: Andrew Appiah-Kubi
A recent example of scouting, adaptation, responsible registration planning and a first senior season that ended in promotion.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Almamy Saïdou Sylla
Guinean entrepreneur, hospitality executive and football administrator combining club leadership, infrastructure investment and youth development.
Football NetworkNEXTGEN Football Network expands in East Africa
MEASIF, ACAKORO Football Academy and ACAKORO School are now represented in NEXTGEN’s growing football network.
Player ProtectionOne player move, several agreements: why football contracts must stay separate
A player move can involve club to club terms, employment, agent representation and separate NEXTGEN support. Keeping each agreement distinct protects everyone.
Foundation NewsFrom funding to impact: how NEXTGEN keeps support accountable
Support should have a clear purpose, evidence and reporting. Donors, sponsors and clubs can fund impact without acquiring sporting control or player rights.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Antequera C.F.
Antequera CF’s first team competes in Primera Federación Group 2 in 2026/27, Spain’s national third tier directly below the two LaLiga divisions. The club plays at El Maulí in Antequera, Málaga.
NEXTGEN Africa TeamWhy NEXTGEN wants to bring more scouting opportunities to Africa
The NEXTGEN Africa Team aims to create stronger local evaluation environments so talented players are not forced to rely on expensive travel and difficult visa routes just to be seen.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: La Bista Soccer Academy
Ghanaian grassroots academy focused on identifying, coaching and developing young footballers. La Bista is a youth development setting rather than a senior national league club, giving players a local base to build before moving toward stronger competition.
Player ProtectionThe NEXTGEN Give Back model: create a future, give a future
A public explanation of the NEXTGEN Give Back philosophy, why it is reciprocal, and how the structure is designed to protect the player and family while supporting future players.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Sally Manaf
Ghanaian football executive and White Wolves FC founder bringing grassroots talent identification, club leadership and direct international pathway experience.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Club Polideportivo Mijas Las Lagunas
Senior club in Mijas competing in Segunda Federación Group 4 in 2026/27, Spain’s national fourth tier. Its football section also runs a broad youth structure, linking local player development with national senior competition.
Sponsored developmentHow football sponsorship can unlock talent without buying control
How football sponsorship and donor support can fund academy access, development, education and welfare without controlling player decisions.
NEXTGEN Success Story: Mawuli Kwame Mensah Vadze
A donor supported teenage route built around patience, education, eligibility and continuous development before senior opportunities arrived.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Juventud Torremolinos C.F.
Juventud Torremolinos competes in Primera Federación Group 2 in 2026/27, Spain’s national third tier. Alongside the high level first team, the club runs a broad youth academy of around 20 development teams.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Samuel Vermeeren
Athlete and sports executive combining direct football experience with programme operations, international scouting logistics and modern pathway delivery.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Pitso Mosimane Youth Football
South African youth development organisation founded by Pitso Mosimane. In 2026, PMYF gained Gauteng Development League status, adding elite competition from U13 to U19 alongside community football, school coaching, clinics and coach development.
Player ProtectionPlayer participation in transfer fees from 2027: what players and families should know
FIFA’s 2027 transfer rules introduce player participation in transfer compensation. The player’s right must remain separate from club, agent and NEXTGEN economics.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: SV Zulte Waregem
Professional Belgian club competing in the Jupiler Pro League in 2026/27, the country’s top division. Its Essevee Academie has almost 600 active members and competes at Elite 1A youth level, combining top flight first team football with one of Belgium’s larger structured academies.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Club Deportivo Estepona
Club Deportivo Estepona competes in Segunda Federación Group 4 in 2026/27, Spain’s national fourth tier. The club is also strengthening its reserve team and Juvenil A under a shared development methodology designed to create a clearer route toward the first team.
Player ProtectionInside the NEXTGEN Player First Football Agent Agreement
Why NEXTGEN expects football representation to create opportunities, protect player choice, make fees transparent and never turn one deal into control over a career.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Young Futures Football Academy
Brikama academy combining football development with education, housing, nutrition and preparation for life beyond the pitch. Young Futures has links with Danish football and has already seen players move from The Gambia into Danish club football, including Kolding IF.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Alvin Kpalay Clarke
Football administrator, FC Gar’ou owner and policy advisor connecting grassroots football, player development, sports investment and youth leadership in Liberia.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Muungano East Africa Sports Investment Forum
East African sports investment platform working across finance, policy and development. MEASIF brings together capital, expertise and partnerships for sports infrastructure, professional leagues, athlete pathways and stronger sports business systems across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.
Player ProtectionInjury, medical privacy and salary: what a professional player should understand
An injury should not automatically become a contract breach. Players should understand medical confidentiality, pay, rehabilitation, insurance and return to play rights.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Daboase Sharp Arrows
Daboase club founded in 2014 and focused on grassroots talent development in Ghana’s Wassa East District. Sharp Arrows won the Wassa East Division Three championship in 2020/21 before competing in regional Division Two, which feeds into Ghana’s national Division One League.
Player ProtectionPlayer image rights and endorsements: what should be written down
A club’s ordinary team use of a player’s image is not automatically the same as a personal endorsement. Players should understand consent, sponsorship and commercial rights.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: ACAKORO School
Residential football and education academy in Homa Bay, opened as Kenya’s first residential football academy. Players live, study and train on one campus, combining full time education with elite youth development.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Sabine Bellifa Vermeeren
Education and welfare specialist focused on the academic, emotional and daily stability young players need to develop safely.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Emmanuel City FC
Greater Accra club and academy competing in Regional Division Two, the regional level directly below Ghana’s national Division One League. Emmanuel City won its zone in 2024 and reached the Middle League promotion stage while continuing to develop young players.
Football agentsFootball agent standards: what players should expect after signing
What players should expect from a football agent: licensing, ongoing service, fees, conflicts, communication and workable representation protections.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: White Wolves Football Club
Accra club with Division Three experience, a youth academy and a strong focus on international exposure. White Wolves has used overseas development opportunities, including training in Spain, to create next steps beyond its domestic level.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Chris Vermeeren
Nearly two decades of global sports marketing leadership combined with elite youth talent identification and international pathway building.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: FC Gar’ou
Liberian club competing in the LFA Third Division in 2026, combining senior football with grassroots talent identification and youth development. Gar’ou was also accepted into the 76th Viareggio Cup in Italy, giving its young players exposure to elite international youth competition.
Player PathwaysTraining compensation and solidarity: why a player’s registration history still matters
Training compensation and solidarity are separate football regulatory rights. Accurate registration history helps eligible training clubs receive what the rules provide.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Liberia Football Association
Liberia’s national governing body for football. The LFA oversees senior leagues, national teams, grassroots and youth football, coach and referee development, and activity under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme.
Meet NEXTGEN advisor: Bernard Suapim
Daboase Sharp Arrows Team Manager with more than a decade of grassroots football leadership, player identification and club operations experience in Ghana’s Western Region.
Inside the NEXTGEN Football Network: Odeefour Sports Management
Founded by Isaac Akom Berima in 2021, Odeefour Sports Management is a football scouting and player career management company based in Accra. It focuses on grassroots talent identification, talent showcases and development pathways, adding local knowledge of Ghanaian football to the NEXTGEN network.
Player ProtectionTrials, minors and private academies: what families should check before saying yes
Before a trial or academy to club move, families should know who controls the player registration, what the trial actually includes, which costs are legitimate and what extra protections apply to minors.
For current player routes and application guidance, visit Pathways. Players can also submit one profile for pathway review.