AFC GRASSROOTS Review 2016

MESSAGE from the AFC PRESIDENT

Grassroots football represents the introduced the Grassroots Charter to foundation stone on which the future encourage our Member Associations of our game is built. (MA) to further develop their programmes. We have also formed the Across the world, the greatest players, AFC Grassroots Panel to enhance the both past and present, began their quality of the movement throughout journey at the grassroots level. Above the continent. all, the movement forms the basis to ignite a lifelong passion for football in Grassroots football thrives on the our great the continent. commitment of dedicated volunteers. I would like to thank all our MAs, partners, The investment in grassroots football coaches and volunteers who inspire will play a pivotal role in ensuring change, create lifelong pathways, bring the Asian Football Confederation people together and inject joy, fun and (AFC) achieves its aspiration, under passion for the game. the banner of One Asia, One Goal, to establish football as the most popular I am pleased to note the unity and sport in the continent. solidarity of MAs who have been working tirelessly to implement More importantly, it exemplifies how progressive and inclusive grassroots the joys of the beautiful game can activities. Last year, we witnessed a create positive values in our children record 37 MAs celebrating the AFC and young people and bring out the Grassroots Football Day – with the best in communities. number of participants increasing by more than 60% from 2015. Anchored by the principles of equality and inclusion, it unites people It is vital that we continue to build on regardless of race, culture, age, this momentum. Our success relies gender, social background and significantly on the spirit of unity, under ability. For our young people, it the banner of One Asia, One Goal, in instils teamwork, confidence and a forging a brighter future for tomorrow’s winning spirit. It builds resilience, generation of fans and players. inspires hope and can help prepare communities for future challenges. I hope you all benefit from engaging and vibrant grassroots programmes in As part of the efforts to strengthen the coming year. our grassroots strategy, the AFC

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa President AFC GRASSROOTS | REVIEW 2016

WATERING the GRASSROOTS

rom a grassroots perspective, 2016 while football for children, youths, amateurs, Panel. The members, representing coaches and fans. We all have the Fwas an important year for the AFC. veterans, those with learning or physical a cross-section of Asia and specialists in responsibility of ‘watering the grassroots’. disabilities, the socially disadvantaged, was grassroots development, concentrated And throughout last year, the AFC showed The first grassroots conference took considered part of the grassroots remit. on the creation and implementation its commitment to grassroots football and its place last March and during this Encouraging mass participation, stimulating of a Grassroots Charter, a grassroots desire to work hand-in-hand with the MAs in inaugural event in Kuala Lumpur, the greater interest in the game, providing more endorsement programme to support building a grassroots environment which is Member Associations heard about the opportunities for social inclusion, supporting the MAs. The key criteria for inclusion safe, dynamic, sustainable and stimulating. latest developments in Asia and Europe. healthy lifestyles and the development in the project were agreed and plans A place where our slogan: ‘Carry the ball This was also the occasion when the of young people, both the sporting and were drawn up to start the approval close to your heart’, is a rallying call for AFC defined the meaning of grassroots educational aspects, were highlighted as process in 2017. further investment and involvement in the football and the aims of football at the the main objectives in grassroots football. heart and soul of football. Indeed, 2016 was foundation level. ‘All football which Everyone in football has the responsibility good, and 2017 will be even better. to promote the game and encourage the is non-professional, non- elite’ was Also of great significance in 2016 was the establishment of the AFC Grassroots next generation of players, referees, declared as part of the grassroots game Editorial by Andy Roxburgh AFC Technical Director

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AFC GRASSROOTS PANEL

AFC GRASSROOTS CHARTER

n AFC Grassroots Charter is a development tool A which aims to stimulate and encourage further development in grassroots football throughout Asia.

The charter, which recognises grassroots as non- professional and non-elite football, represents the benchmark for MAs to aspire towards and will play an invaluable role to raise the quality of grassroots programmes throughout the continent.

Anchored on the principles of continuity and he AFC Grassroots Panel, which Since its formation, the panel has excellence, 20 performance categories such Tcomprises grassroots specialists from been working on the finer details of as leadership, competitions, education and across the continent, convened for the the AFC Grassroots Charter, which was participation have been structured progressively first time in February 2016 after the AFC introduced to MAs at the inaugural AFC in three grading levels to facilitate the evolution Executive and Technical Committees Grassroots Conference in March 2016. of the AFC’s grassroots endorsement programme. approved its formation in 2015. When fully implemented, the new At the entry level (bronze), the emphasis has been The main responsibilities of the Charter will enhance the landscape placed on building the foundations for participation, panel include examining the of the grassroots game in Asia by before being elevated to focus on development current state and challenges facing establishing a grading system to (silver). Moving on to the highest echelon (gold), MAs grassroots football in Asia and ensure MAs develop their programmes will need to satisfy more robust set of criteria and charting the strategic direction to and activities both systematically show commitment towards developing a vibrant further develop and strengthen and progressively. ecosystem through wideranging programmes, grassroots throughout the continent. lifelong pathways and retention of players.

8 9 AFC GRASSROOTS | REVIEW 2016 AFC GRASSROOTS CONFERENCE 2016

AFC GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DAY 2016

he AFC’s commitment to develop n 2016, a record-breaking 37 MAs celebrated Tgrassroots football in Asia was underlined Ithe AFC Grassroots Football Day on May 15, as more than 100 Grassroots Development setting a new benchmark from the 31 MAs Officers gathered for the first-ever AFC Grassroots who participated the previous year. Conference in Kuala Lumpur on March 1-3 2016. In total, more than 60,000 football enthusiasts of The theme of the conference – Grassroots all ages and abilities from across the continent Football in Asia: The Way Forward – was participated in grassroots activities organised by designed to equip Asia’s grassroots managers MAs, an increase of more than 60% from 2015. with the industry’s best practices and widen their capabilities to implement robust The new record indicates the significant grassroots systems in their respective countries. strides and growth of grassroots football in recent years: the inaugural AFC Grassroots Participants were also provided case studies, Football Day in 2013 was celebrated in highlighting the benefits of the grassroots 13 MAs. game as a powerful platform to promote positive values, education, health, community and social development through football.

10 11 AFC GRASSROOTS | REVIEW 2016 AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football 2016

he Football Federation Australia (FFA, TInspiring), Philippine Football Federation (PFF, Developing) and National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD, Aspiring) won the AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football in 2016.

Throughout the year, the FFA organised a variety of programmes under its comprehensive strategic development plan, while the PFF’s activities involved participants from all over the country, attributed to the close partnerships forged with the regional football associations as well as government agencies and ministries.

The NFABD, meanwhile, ran regular technical and promotional activities while maintaining several areas of cooperation with both governmental and non- governmental partners.

The nominations for the award are based on a points system which takes into account several criteria such as the structure and management of grassroots football as well as the philosophy and policy of Member Associations.

In addition, MAs’ grassroots partnerships with various external organisations are also assessed, as are technical programmes such as courses, workshops and talent identification.

Other criteria include exchange programmes such as those with schools, administrative sub-regional football associations, communities and clubs as well as grassroots activities, for example promotional, educational and social responsibility events.

12 13 AFC GRASSROOTS | REVIEW 2016 GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES AFGHANISTAN

ore than 200 girls and boys by the Member Associations Mparticipated in the grassroots festival organised by the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) in Kabul to celebrate the in 2016 AFC Grassroots Football Day on May 15.

The festival was conducted by 30 young and aspiring coaches who were also benefactors of the AFF’s development efforts, having completed a training course specifically for grassroots and youth football coaching in the lead up to the festival.

The AFF Grassroots Committee also marked the International Women’s Day by organising a festival for more than 150 U-12 girls led by 32 male and female coaches on March 8, 2016.

The overall organisation of the festival, including the training sessions, was AUSTRALIA delivered by the Head of the AFF Grassroots Committee. he Football Federation of Australia T(FFA) initiated the MiniRoos Half-Time experience where more than 6,000 boys and girls enjoyed the thrill of playing in front of sell-out crowds during Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League games in 2016.

The FFA also conducted the Female Football Week in March to celebrate the immense growth of women’s football at all levels of the game, as well as to acknowledge and promote the important role women play in developing football.

Furthermore, the FFA also implemented a corporate social responsibility programme in partnership with the Mondelez International Foundation, called the Play Project. It is a free primary school programme designed to increase knowledge of the benefits of regular participation in physical activity and to affect positive change in physical activity adoption behaviours. The programme has completed 250 workshops engaging 65,000 students in 2016.

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BHUTAN CAMBODIA

he Bhutan Football Federation ore than 125 children from ten T(BFF) organised several technical Mto 16 years of age participated in programmes and activities in 2016, the Football Federation of Cambodia’s including 21 grassroots courses (FFC) grassroots day celebrations at the and festivals in various districts National Olympic Stadium. nationwide. A total of 423 school sport instructors and teachers were involved Under the guidance of five FFC youth in the courses and will continue to coaches, players were divided between implement football activities in their four small-sided pitches, participating in respective schools and districts. seven-a-side and eight-a-side matches. Players were also given the opportunity Under the BFF’s initiative, 20 districts to hone their technical skills in the later also celebrated the Women’s Football stages before concluding the eventful Day and AFC Grassroots Football Day by festival with a prize-giving ceremony. organising a football festival.

Furthermore, 97 women coaches and teachers were trained and 1,360 girls participated in football festivals in 2016.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM CHINA PR

he National Football Association ore than 22,000 players of all ages and Tof Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Mplaying levels in China PR took part organised a nationwide grassroots festival in the ‘Enjoy the Game’ National Amateur in partnership with DST, the country’s Championship and grassroots training leading telecommunications provider. camps for children and veterans to celebrate the AFC Grassroots Football Day. Following the success of the festival, the campaign continued at the Arena Sports The new “Long March of Campus Football” Complex, Seria in the Belait district. The programme, which encompassed the use festival was open to children between of video technology and a football skills the ages of six and 12 and provided all demonstration class, involved participants participants with a free jersey as part from selected special education schools of efforts to ignite their passion for the and four Red Army schools. beautiful game. The programme also included organising The NFABD also partnered with the forums in the selected city, where parents, Ministry of Education to engage with principals, students and experts shared school students to participate in the their knowledge on football coaching, festival, which concluded at the Batu Apoi training and match preparation. Sports Complex in Temburong on May 29.

The first-ever grassroots football festival for girls was also successfully conducted at the International School Brunei in June 2016 and more than 180 girls participated in the event. 16 17 AFC GRASSROOTS | REVIEW 2016

DPR KOREA HONG KONG

n partnership with the Leisure and Cultural IServices Department, the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) organised the Nike Cup Hong Kong Five 2016 futsal tournament. The highly-successful futsal and grassroots tournament is part of the city’s strategy to cultivate a football culture.

A total of 476 matches took place in this territory-wide competition held in nine age groups, from the U-8s to the Men’s and Women’s Open, with some 3,480 amateur players and youngsters participating.

The HKFA also held several activities to promote grassroots football including the PR Korea Football Association DPR Korea FA organised the AFC 2015-2016 Jockey Club Futsal Cup (School (DPR Korea FA) conducted Grassroots Football Day Festival D INDIA Division), where 203 teams, representing three courses to educate grassroots on 30 May which included the 135 schools from all over Hong Kong instructors and coaches at P’yŏngsŏng participation of more than 750 competed in a total of 484 matches. City Stadium and P’yŏngsŏng youth, retired players, coaches and rassroots football festivals in more than International Football School parents. The FA also organised G100 districts in India were organised The Jockey Club Youth Football in May and August. More than the Korean Children’s Union Day by the All India Football Federation 80 coaches were equipped with the Football Festival on June 6 for Development Programme – Summer (AIFF), reaching out to more than 10,000 Scheme 2016 School Visit was also held, tools to organise basic technical and 370 participants, including 160 participants nationwide. From Manipur to physical development courses. (U-9-U-15) players as well as football an annual programme that provides a Punjab, New Delhi to Anantapur, the joys platform and opportunities for nearly fans, retired players, coaches and of grassroots football were reverberated parents. 11,000 local young football lovers – boys in all corners of the world’s second most and girls aged from four to 17. populous nation.

GUAM Clubs from the I-League and the Indian Super League, State Associations, Grassroots Centres as well as over 70 private pider-Man made an appearance academies held several exciting activities, Sat the Guam Football Association ranging from festivals, camps, clinics to (GFA) Grassroots Jamboree grassroots courses, with a specific focus on ceremony at the GFA National creating more opportunities for children. Training Centre in Harman in May. Leveraging on the powerful The advanced Grassroots Leaders Course platform of the beautiful game, was also organised at the AIFF Headquarters GFA took the opportunity to spread from June 29 to July 1. Some 27 members the message of anti-bullying to including the Technical Officers from six schools, teachers and parents. states and coaches were involved in the FIFA/AIFF State Development Programme. The GFA also organised the highly- Also Grassroots Development Officers from anticipated annual 3v3 Grassroots each of the AIFF grassroots states attended Tournament on May 28 for all youth the course, which aimed to align tutor and players between the ages of eight grassroots leaders with the AFC and AIFF’s and 12 years old. grassroots philosophy.

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ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN JAPAN

he Football Federation he AFC Grassroots Football Day TIslamic Republic of Iran Twas especially significant for Japan (FFIRI) held its first-ever National this year as it coincided with the 23rd Grassroots Conference, which anniversary of the J.League. drew over 800 coaches, on May 12. Incidentally, the introduction of the J.League in 1993 served as the impetus The inaugural National for the establishment of the Japan Grassroots Conference was Football Association’s (JFA) Declaration also boosted by an expansive on Grassroots football. nine festivals held in all corners of the country, bringing In Tokachi, Hokkaido, some 115 passionate together close to 2,000 women and girls of all ages - the oldest participants. Additionally, some aged 64 - participated in the JFA 400 coaches also participated Women’s Football Festival. A referee’s in a grassroots course, aimed introductory course was also conducted at widening their application by one of the continent’s most respected of the philosophies, principles officials, Teshirogi Naomi. The Hokkaido Importantly, the JFA started a ‘JFA Grassroots and technical functions of native, who officiated at last year’s Promotion Partner System’ to ensure local the game. Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, teams and clubs share the same vision of the stressed on the importance for all players JFA’s grassroots concept, aiming to forge 1,000 At one of the festivals, the Anchored on the principles of friendship, social to understand the laws of the game. partnerships all over Japan. FFIRI organised a first-of-its- development and the joys of the beautiful game, close to 50 kind bilateral football festival girls participated in eight-a-side matches and workshops for Afghan girls from the ages conducted by female coaches from the province. of nine to 12 in the southern JORDAN Khorasan region, which The festival was also aimed at strengthening the ties shares a 465 km border with between the two countries, with plans to expand the he Jordan Football Association (JFA) neighbouring Afghanistan. programme to include more Afghan participants in the Tregularly held workshops for the future. Prince Ali Grassroots Centre (PAGC) male and female coaches as part of efforts to IRAQ and demonstrate the JFA’s grassroots vision, strategy and training methods. In the workshops, the technical director of the grassroots centres provided coaches he Iraqi Football Association with the training manual for the season T(IFA) organised various and engaged with them through activities for grassroots practical and theoretical sessions. coaches and children in 2016 including eight workshops, The JFA celebrated the AFC Grassroots an annual grassroots festival, Football Day together with 400 a women’s football festival, six boys aged from 10 to 12, who were friendly group matches and invited to the festival to raise their two annual Sport Day events. interest in football through fun- filled activities on May 14, 2016. with little access to women’s football. The Some 150 players from tournament made progressive strides in 46 football schools and Furthermore, the JFA also held the first- spreading the joys of football across Jordan, academies in 18 provinces in ever girls school tournament across with many players experiencing the game for the country also celebrated the Jordan in May. Some participating the first time. Some 44 schools, 480 female momentous occasion with fun- schools came from remote areas players and 44 female teachers were involved filled and engaging activities. in the process. 20 21 AFC GRASSROOTS | REVIEW 2016

KYRGYZSTAN LEBANON

lose to 500 children gathered at mall-sided games and technical Cthe Football Federation of Kyrgyz Sdrills were the key features of the Republic (FFKR) Technical Centre AFC Grassroots Football Day organised and the Dordoi Sports Centre in the by the Lebanese Football Association capital Bishkek as the FFKR organised (LFA). In total, 220 players, ages 10 to 12 two grassroots festivals this year. from different regions of the country gathered to participate in four small- The festivals were conducted under sided matches and technical exercises. the supervision of FFKR instructors for players from the U-16 football The Lebanon FA also worked with the Ministry academy. The success of this year’s of Education to enhance the development grassroots events has been built on of the grassroots game in the country by the progressive partnerships between leveraging on the support of sports teachers the FFKR and school teachers, paving in public schools and arranging festivals in the the way for two additional grassroots various cities of Lebanon, culminating with festivals, which were held in April 2016. the fun-filled festival in capital city, Beirut.

FFKR also partnered with the Korean In 2016, the LFA conducted a total of nine Football Association under the banner grassroots coaching courses to educate 225 of The Korean Football Love Sharing local grassroots coaches. Foundation to conduct a Youth Football MACAU Festival, which included the participation of 18 teams and more than 300 children (both boys and girls) from all the regions he Macau Football Association of the country. T(MFA) created history as they joined fellow Member Associations in commemorating the momentous AFC Grassroots Football Day for the first time.

LAOS A youth tournament, bringing together he northern province of Xayaboury 60 young players from ages 12 to 18 Twas the main stage of the Laos was successfully concluded, seeding Football Federation’s (LFF) AFC opportunities for growth of the Grassroots Football Day celebrations. A grassroots movement in the country. total of 200 boys and girls from various In the following months, the MFA also primary schools gathered to hone their organised a fun-filled celebration for skills and cultivate good sporting habits. children and a festival for women’s football as part of efforts to further As part of this year’s celebrations, develop one of the most popular sports the LFF also partnered with schools in the country. to highlight the harmful effects of substance abuse and to stress the More than 400 boys and girls also importance of health and fitness. participated in the grassroots festival held by the MFA in August. The LFF partnered with sponsors RHB bank to organise the RHB Lao Boys and girls aged 12 to 18, as well as Junior Football Cup 2016 in Vientiane women, football veterans and football on August 20 reaching a total of 256 lovers attended the Macau Football Fun children from the age of eight to 12 Day which included organised friendly years old. games, drills and, mini-games to name but a few.

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MALAYSIA MONGOLIA

he Football Association of grassroots and International TMalaysia (FAM) organised A Children’s Day festival was a grassroots festival which organised in line with the AFC attracted 100 boys and girls in Grassroots Football Day 2016. During the capital of Kuala Lumpur. the festival, Mongolian Football Federation (MFF) member clubs and Participants were given the more than 500 children enjoyed the opportunity to embark on a joys of the beautiful game. lifelong appreciation for the beautiful game at the FAM MFF applied the official rules adopted headquarters in Kelana Jaya. by the FIFA Grassroots guidelines, engaging children between six to The festival was designed for 12 years of age in 2011. In 2016, the children from ages four to 12, programme was expanded to include including those with special five provinces. needs.

MYANMAR MALDIVES

he Football Association of Maldives he Thuwunna YTC Stadium in Yangon (FAM) organised a grassroots T hosted 250 schoolchildren and teachers festival for 432 boys and girls, which T as part of Myanmar Football Federation’s was well-received by participants, (MFF) celebrations on the AFC’s Grassroots parents and teachers alike. Football Day. As part of the celebrations, the FAM The MFF has been working with the also conducted a two-day seminar for Ministry of Education to identify and train 37 volunteer coaches, who were put selected school teachers to expand the through their paces in both theory pool of the country’s football coaches. In the and practical sessions to enhance their longer term, the MFF plans to step up the capabilities and aptitude for grassroots development of grassroots football through and youth football coaching. the establishment of township associations by the end of 2016. Much to the delight of aspiring footballers, the mega grassroots The MFF also organised a grassroots football festival saw also a special appearance festival at the Padaythar Stadium in Yangon by national team midfielder Ahmed on September 9, 2016, where a total of Nashid, who was pleased to lend 520 boys and girls participated under the his support to inspire and share his supervision of 40 school PE teachers. experience with budding talents and the future generations of Maldives footballers.

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NEPAL OMAN

ome 160 children from man marked their first-ever S16 different schools OAFC Grassroots Football Day participated in the grassroots celebration at the Seeb Stadium programme organised with close to 100 children from the by the All Nepal Football nine to 13 age groups. The young Association (ANFA) at the Sano participants were put through Timi ground in Bhaktapur. various exercises under the supervision of the Oman Football The ANFA has been conducting Association (OFA) grassroots staff grassroots football training and coaches. every Saturday. More than 900 children have been attending Grassroots football represents one the programme, with plans in of the key areas as the OFA seeks to the pipeline to include more achieve its strategic development school children and districts. goals for 2018 and Vision 2022.

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLAND PAKISTAN

mall-sided matches were the he Pakistan Football Federation Skey theme of the Northern T(PFF) celebrated the AFC Mariana Islands Football Grassroots Football Day 2016 Association’s (NMIFA) celebration by organising football activities of this year’s AFC Grassroots throughout Pakistan on May Football Day. Held once a year at 15. Non-professional and non- the Oleai Sports Complex Field, the elite football players, male highly anticipated NMIFA 3 versus and female, from different age 3 (3V3) Grassroots Football Day groups took part in the events tournament attracted 200 players reflecting the grassroots football from across the Pacific Island philosophy of the AFC. The nation, which has a population of grassroots day was celebrated in just below 55,000. all four provinces and 31 cities. Football lovers and more than Comprising three age group 1,000 enthusiasts participated in categories, the tournament was short-duration matches. dominated by Tan Holdings Football Club, who captured both the U-8 and U-10 division crowns. Meanwhile, Matansa Football Club and surprise package, Kanoa Football Club, emerged as joint champions of the U-12 division.

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PALESTINE QATAR

ome 150 players from the six to he Qatar Football Association S12 age groups, representing T(QFA) celebrated the AFC a myriad of local clubs across the Grassroots Day on May 14, 2016. More country participated in the AFC than 650 boys aged between six and Grassroots Football Day organised 11 as well as veterans participated by the Palestine Football in the event. The boys and veterans Association (PFA) at the Majed enjoyed the programme which Asa’ad Stadium in Al-Bireh. included football matches, fun games and small-sided games. Each player was given the opportunity to enhance various The QFA also organised a aspects of their technical tournament for the Palestinian abilities, during a football skills community within Qatar, known clinic on dribbling, passing, ball- as the “Palestine Community control, shooting, coordination Tournament.” The tournament and small-sided matches. comprised 16 teams and has been The PFA also organised a running successfully for several Women’s day festival with years with the support of the QFA. the cooperation of the AFC The QFA facilitates the tournament in Majed Asaad Stadium in by providing the venue, referees, Albireh on March 6, 2016, and managing the competition database.

PHILIPPINES SAUDI ARABIA

ome 250 children participated he Saudi Arabian Sin the AFC Grassroots Day in TFootball Federation three venues in the Davao Region. (SAFF) organised three All 33 members of the Philippine football Festivals in August Football Federation (PFF) including in the Al Ahsa district as 11 in Mindanao conducted separate part of efforts to bring joy football clinics simultaneously. to young footballers and provide opportunities to The PFF conducted about 20 young players to develop Grassroots Course and Festivals their game. (GCF’s) involving more than 6,000 children under the age of 12 and True to the spirit of the 1,000 school teachers. grassroots game, the event was organised to focus on Organised in partnership with the the fun elements of football Department of Education and local development, with little government agencies, the GCF is emphasis on competitions a three-day festival where public and rankings. schools students, teachers, coaches and community volunteers train together.

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SINGAPORE TAJIKISTAN

mini tournament also provided ore than 100 children gathered at the children with the opportunity Mthe Central Republican Stadium to learn life skills, the importance in Dushanbe to celebrate the AFC of a healthy lifestyle and positive Grassroots Football Day. Organised character building values while by the Tajikistan Football Federation promoting family and community (TFF), children from the ages of six to bonding. 12 participated in a series of relays and games to promote the importance The FAS celebrated the AFC of leading a healthy lifestyle through Grassroots Football Day with an sport. activity-filled weekend at the Serangoon Stadium, with the In a fun-filled affair, the Tajikistan highlight being the minigames Football Federation (TFF) also involving children from the FAS presented footballs and prizes to the Cubs Centres. participating children who left the event with a positive experience of the The Singapore Cerebral Palsy beautiful game. (CP) National Team then played rassroots football development an exhibition match against the Gcontinued to take centre stage in Cubs’ coaches and parents at the Singapore as more than 350 school children fun-filled event, which underlined TURKMENISTAN from various primary schools in the city- the FAS’s commitment towards state gathered for the Singapore Primary developing football in Singapore at Schools Sports Council (SPSSC)/Football all levels. The festivities continued, urkmenistan Football Federation Association of Singapore (FAS) U-10 Football with more children from the FAS T(TFF) partnered with the State Sport Fiesta in March. Cubs programme taking part in Committee as well as volunteers mini-games at the Cubs Centre at from the World Health Organisation Later in the day, young aspirants from the Sembawang Primary School. (WHO), the United States Agency for FAS Cubs Centres were accompanied International Development (USAID) and by parents as they participated in the the United Nations Population Fund Inter-Cubs Centres Games. Going beyond (UNFPA) to promote the importance of learning to play the beautiful game, the cultivating a healthy lifestyle and fitness SRI LANKA through football.

The grassroots festival presented he Football Federation of participants with an opportunity to TSri Lanka (FFSL) organised a undertake health and fitness tests. football festival for a total of 200 Football-themed temporary tattoos players in the Dunbar Ground in the were a huge hit amongst children who Hatton area on May 15 in line with were also educated on the harmful the AFC Grassroots Football Day. effects of smoking. The FFSL also organised two more football festivals in Ambalangoda The National Football Championship for and Biyagama in June and July, disabled sportsmen was also organised engaging more than 600 children in August 23-28, 2016. Five teams took in both events. part in the tournament. Within the framework of the event, a football festival for disabled people was jointly organised with National Sport Club of Disabled people (a local NGO).

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UAE VIETNAM

he Vietnam Football Federation T(VFF) and Football for All Vietnam (FFAV) celebrated the AFC Grassroots Football Day by organising enriching activities for children in two cities – Hanoi and Hue.

In the capital Hanoi, the VFF collaborated with the Societas Socialis (SOS) Children’s Village to organise a football friendly match for orphanage children as part of the VFF’s efforts to provide more inspiring opportunities for underprivileged children.

Simultaneously in Hue, the capital of Thua Thien Hue province, the VFF and FFAV organised a fun- filled grassroots festival, which included also a session to promote n collaboration with the Ministry platforms for the country’s most the development of life skills and A total of 3,490 children took the opportunity to play Iof Education, the United Arab promising talents. character development. football as well as to get exposed to life and football Emirates Football Association’s skills at the two-day event held in eight venues. (UAEFA) outreach efforts amassed an Building on the grassroots’ In addition, the fourth edition Some 1,140 matches were organised on the pitches, impressive 7,000 children, with the principles of inclusivity, the UAEFA of the FFAV (Football for All in as well as activities with messages about protecting aim of registering all participants to also introduced its first-ever Vietnam) Cup 2016, a grassroots the environment and traffic safety. the amateur clubs in their respective grassroots football programme for festival, was held in Hue City. regions. The UAEFA’s strategy is people with disabilities. anchored on strengthening the connections between schools and UZBEKISTAN amateur clubs, which are also supported by seven grassroots academies across the country. he Uzbekistan Football Federation (UFF) partnered Twith the Ministry of Education and Children’s Sports As part of their advanced grassroots Development Foundation to organise a grassroots programme, the UAEFA also organised festival for 220 boys and girls from various schools in festivals for U-11 and U-12 children, Tashkent, capital of the central Asian nation. with the best players eventually progressing to the five technical Unfazed by inclement weather, participants were centres that serve as development provided the opportunity to hone their skills through the various technical stations, under the expert guidance of the UFF grassroots coaches. The festival concluded with a prize giving ceremony, with awards given to every participant as part of efforts to embody the essence of grassroots football.

32 33 “Carry the ball close to your heart!” Andy Roxburgh AFC Technical Director

The AFC would also like to acknowledge the contribution of photographs to the following Acknowledgement Member Associations: Afghanistan Football Federation, Football Federation Australia, Bhutan Football Federation, National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam, Football Federation of Cambodia, The AFC would like to thank all Member Associations for Chinese Football Association, DPR Korea Football Association, Guam Football Association, The Hong Kong Football Association, All India Football Federation, Islamic Republic ofIran organising activities that have provided everyone Football Federation, Iraqi Football Association, Japan Football Association, Jordan Football Association, Football Federation of Kyrgyz Republic, Lao Football Federation, Lebanese an opportunity to play football, and offering an Football Association, Macau Football Association, Football Association of Malaysia, Football Association of Maldives, Mongolian Football Federation, Myanmar Football Federation, All Nepal Football Association, Northern Mariana Island Football Association, Oman Football opportuinity to develop a life-long passion for the Association, Pakistan Football Federation, Palestine Football Association, Philippine Football Federation, Qatar Football Association, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Football beautiful game. Association of Singapore, Football Federation of Sri Lanka, Tajikistan Football Federation, Football Federation of Turkmenistan, UAE Football Association, Uzbekistan Football Federation and Vietnam Football Federation.