AFC Celebrates 12th Grassroots Football Day With Participation From Over 31000 Individuals

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recently celebrated the 12th AFC Grassroots Football Day. This event saw participation from 42 member associations, including the UAE Football Association, and engaged over 31,000 individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds. The annual event aims to enhance inclusivity and expand football's influence across Asia.

In Singapore, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) collaborated with the Safe Sport Commission Singapore to host an event called United Through Football – A Day of Play & Safe Sport. This initiative focused on fostering a safe and inclusive football environment. Meanwhile, in the Kyrgyz Republic, celebrations took place in Bishkek and six nearby regions, where children participated in interactive activities like 3v3 games and football drills.

This year's celebration occurred on 23rd May, coinciding with FIFA’s World Football Week. This timing allowed the AFC to further its contribution to the United Nations’ "Football for the Goals" initiative and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Across Asia, various member associations organised football festivals featuring workshops, small-sided games, and mini tournaments to engage participants.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa highlighted future goals: "The AFC Grassroots Football Day 2025 will place greater emphasis on harnessing the power of football to promote environmentally conscious practices, advocate gender equality, encourage good health and well-being, and raise awareness of child safeguarding."

Since 2024, three member associations—the Chinese Football Association, the United Arab Emirates Football Association, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation—have achieved gold-level endorsement under the AFC Grassroots Football Charter. This charter now includes 43 members. The latest edition of the AFC Grassroots Review was released in April. It highlights various initiatives by the Confederation such as the AFC President’s Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football and the AFC Special Grassroots Awards.

The AFC's efforts continue to strengthen grassroots football across Asia by promoting inclusivity and sustainability through engaging activities and recognition programs. These initiatives aim to foster a supportive environment for all participants while advancing broader social goals.

With inputs from WAM