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Experts from across Asia gathered virtually to discuss ways to expand the reach of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme when the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) conducted its 1st AFC Youth Panel Meeting for the term 2024-2025 on Thursday.
Chaired by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the meeting was attended by 15 panel members from 13 Member Associations (MAs).
With the Confederation’s determination to guide MAs to develop more youth academies, while also enhancing the standards of existing institutions, both at the club and national levels, the panellists discussed several key subjects on the many ways to identify, nurture, and refine the talent of the future stars of Asian football.
Roxburgh’s welcome address was followed by the attendees receiving updates on the status of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme which currently endorses 22 MAs.
An insightful dialogue then ensued where the experts exchanged perspectives on the various processes undertaken by their respective MAs to maximise the opportunity of organising competitions at the elite youth level.
The meeting also featured a particularly engaging discussion on the diverse challenges faced by MAs, stemming from a variety of factors including cultural and climatic disparities, which ultimately set the stage for panel members to present innovative ideas aimed at effectively addressing these obstacles.
“The Elite Youth Scheme is one of the main tools to develop youth football on the Continent. Not only does it satisfy club licensing requirements and earn recognition on a Continental level, but it also has a long-term developmental impact on national teams and professional clubs,” said Roxburgh.
“We cannot forget that the investment we make in our youth today forms the very foundation on which our success for the future depends. Hence, we must ensure that we make the best use of our resources to provide the support that our MAs require to ensure a bright future for Asian football,” he added.
