Registering to play amateur football in Greece

Who needs a player card

Every player over 10 who plays in an official league run by a regional association needs a player card. Children under 10 get a temporary participation certificate from the association instead.

The club submits the application to its regional association (ΕΠΣ), and the EPO issues the card. The player, or a parent or guardian for a minor, signs the application and provides the documents.

2026-27 windows for amateur clubs

The 2026-27 season runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. For amateur clubs under the regional associations, the EPO has set:

• Transfers, domestic and international: 1 July 2026 to 25 January 2027
• Re-registrations of amateurs: 1 July 2026 to 25 January 2027
• Fixed-term transfers: 1 July 2026 to 25 January 2027
• First registrations of adults: 1 July 2026 to 25 January 2027
• Re-registrations of former professionals: 1 September to 28 December 2026
• First registrations of minors: all season, until 30 June 2027
• Individual and group releases: all season, until 30 June 2027

Professional clubs

Professional clubs (ΠΑΕ) have shorter windows: summer from 1 July to 15 September 2026 and winter from 2 January to 5 February 2027. These dates come from the EPO's 2026-27 document. The EPO can change them during the season, so check its page before any move.

Documents usually required

The list can differ slightly between associations. According to the instructions of the Macedonia association (ΕΠΣ Μακεδονίας) to its clubs, every change except a release needs:

• A fully completed and signed change application, with no corrections
• A copy of the player's ID, with names and dates written exactly as on the ID or birth certificate
• A valid athlete health card (Κάρτα Υγείας Αθλητή), on the current form
• A recent colour passport-style photo
• A signed consent form for processing personal data, on the current form
• The player's social security number (ΑΜΚΑ) and the personal email of the player or guardian, not the club's or coach's
• Proof of payment of the fee (παράβολο)
• Foreign players: a certified copy of a valid residence permit, or a certified passport copy for EU citizens

The athlete health card

Under Greek law 5176/2025, the card can be signed by doctors at public primary care units, regional or university hospitals and military health units, doctors working with the public sector, and private cardiologists. Internists, general practitioners and pulmonologists can also sign it after completing the seminars of the National Centre for Sports Research (ΕΚΑΕ).

Cards signed by doctors of other specialties are not accepted. The card is valid for one year from the date it is signed.

How long a card lasts

Since 1 July 2021 all amateur player cards are fixed-term, from 1 to 5 years. Only a minor's first registration can run up to 7 years. Every card ends at the end of a season, on 30 June. The club and the player agree the length and mark it on the application.

Minors and foreign players

• For any change involving a minor (first registration, transfer, re-registration or release), a parent or guardian signs and gives written consent with a certified signature.
• A minor's first registration can happen at any point in the season.
• First registrations of foreign minors and international transfers of minors fall under FIFA's Article 19: FIFA approves the move and the documents must be translated into English, French or Spanish.

Where ScoutMe fits

ScoutMe does not issue player cards: only the club can request one, through its regional association. ScoutMe helps you find the club before the window closes. You mark yourself as a free agent on your profile and see open positions and trials posted by clubs.