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The AFC Grassroots Panel met virtually on Tuesday for its first meeting for the term 2024-25 to chart the way forward for the development of grassroots football in Asia.
Chaired by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the meeting was attended by 14 experts from 14 Member Associations (MAs) of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Roxburgh’s welcome address was followed by updates on the latest developments under the highly acclaimed AFC Grassroots Charter which currently boasts 40 MAs- seven in the Gold category, eight in Silver, and 25 under the Bronze category.
Besides updates on endorsements, the panel members were also briefed on the updated regulations of the Charter such as the introduction of a comprehensive registration system and the compulsory enforcement of child protection practices.
With mass participation being a key tenet of grassroots football, the experts engaged in an insightful conversation on the best ways to attract young children to embrace the sport and develop a life-long love for the beautiful game.
Roxburgh said: “The football pyramid involves all ages, be it veterans, teenagers, or children but we have to remember that the foundation of developing the sport depends on children and teenagers falling in love with the game enough to keep playing it year after year.
“Thus, we must prioritise on this foundational level and emphasise investment, nurturing of grassroots leaders, ensuring sufficient grassroots competitions, and fostering a dynamic and vibrant grassroots community.”
Other topics of discussion included the criteria needed to be fulfilled in order to be considered for the AFC President’s Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football, which recognise significant and creative development efforts by MAs at the grassroots level.
Additionally, the dialogues covered the AFC Special Grassroots Awards, which pay tribute to the unsung heroes of grassroots football through accolades such as The Best Grassroots Leader, The Best Grassroots Project, and The Best Grassroots Club.
