Grassroots AR

During a visit to the Kingdom earlier this month, the AFC grassroots assessors met with officials, visited training centres, and observed a robust programme supported by long-term collaborative projects between the SAFF and regional stakeholders and government bodies, including the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sports.

Taking place at the InterContinental Hotel in the Malaysian capital city ahead of the 3rd AFC Women’s Football Conference, which commences tomorrow, the panel meeting underscored the AFC’s ambition to expand the reach of the beautiful game to as many people as possible, regardless of their social or physical disadvantages.

Following a visit to the MFF headquarters in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, the AFC Grassroots panel members were presented with an overview of a wide range of activities undertaken by the MFF to grow grassroots football in the East Asian nation.

Recognised for its steadfast efforts in developing grassroots football in the region, the UAEFA became the ninth MA of the AFC to earn the highest level under the acclaimed charter.

Bestowed with a Bronze-level membership in 2020, the AFC Grassroots Panel members were pleased to note the AIFF’s strong commitment towards grassroots development through long-term sustainable programmes, regional involvement, and strong partnerships with various stakeholders across the country.

Chaired by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the session provided experts from across Asia with an excellent platform to exchange ideas and best practices on ways to broader engagement, especially among children by creating the ideal environment for them to foster a lifelong love for the beautiful game.

Since obtaining a Bronze membership in 2018, the BFF has strived to expand the reach of the beautiful game to as many people as possible and has successfully implemented grassroots programmes across 20 districts, benefiting people of all ages and abilities.

Bestowed with a bronze membership in 2019, the endorsement is testament to the PFA’s dedicated efforts towards enhancing its grassroots programme, despite the ongoing unrest in the country.

Bestowed with a Silver level membership in 2018, the CFA’s steadfast efforts to enhance grassroots football in the country saw it become the eighth Member Association (MA) to receive a Gold level endorsement.

First awarded the gold level membership in 2018, the JFA has since remained a benchmark for enhancing the standards of the grassroots game in Asia.

With as many as 45,000 participants from 43 MAs commemorating the occasion, the 2024 edition of the annual event was marked by the highest participation rate since the relaxation of COVID-19 related constraints.

Join us at the-AFC.com for the third and final part of a series that highlights all the celebrations that took place across the Continent!

Attended by 92 participants from 36 MAs, the 90-minute gathering reinforced the importance of allowing everybody the opportunity to play – one of the key principles of the AFC Grassroots Philosophy – via presentations on two different strategies to do so.