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The groundbreaking Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Certificate in Football Leadership (ACFL) on Thursday celebrated its third batch of graduates, who are now poised to further advance Asian football and reach new heights of leadership excellence.
Aimed at moulding game-changing leaders of the Continental game, the six-month online programme welcomed decision-makers from AFC Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and diverse stakeholders as they look to leverage opportunities, improve efficiency and guide their organisations in realising their respective strategic objectives.
First launched in 2023, the ACFL steers participants through theoretical perspectives, hands-on activities and case studies to boost their leadership skills and enhance current capabilities. The programme ensures they are armed with the requisite viewpoints, skill sets and tools that make for better-informed, real-time decisions both on and off the pitch.
“I believe the ACFL to be the gold standard in sharing crucial, timely industry information and improving existing leadership abilities,” said Yogaraj Kumar Rajaram from All India Football Federation, one of the 23 ACFL graduates. “The programme is a springboard to success and with my new skills and knowledge, I hope to initiate positive change and growth in my organisation.”
Zohid Akramov, an independent participant, said: “It takes a programme like the ACFL to reveal how fluid football management can be, especially in such a fast-evolving environment. It provides a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be a capable leader of Asian football, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to excel in football management.”
In his congratulatory speech, AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany said: “The ACFL aligns with the AFC’s Vision to further strengthen our MAs, RAs and football stakeholders, and I’m confident that our graduates will help us greatly in achieving this and in doing so, make the AFC become the world’s leading Confederation.
“They now stand ready to take the lead in bringing about changes that will positively impact the entire football family and by judiciously applying their new skill sets, will be able to make thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that will one day influence the future of football.”
Covering essential concepts aligned with industry best practices, participants progress through six dynamic modules: the Principles of Leadership, Influence and Impact through Communication, Organisational Design and Development in Football, Environmental, Social and Governance in Football, A Leader’s Perspective of Football Development & Performance and Managing Projects in Football.
The ACFL is part of a diverse selection of educational initiatives offered by the pioneering AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE). It follows the acclaimed AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management, AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme and the AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning.
For more details on the ACFL and other ACE programmes, please visit www.afcacademy.com .
