AFC Grassroots Football Day 2022 set for fun-filled celebrations
A total of 41 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Member Associations (MAs) have pledged to join the AFC Grassroots Football Day 2022 to bring smiles and cheers through the unifying force of football.
Over 31,000 participants of all ages, backgrounds and abilities from across Asia are expected to join the annual football festival, ranging from small-sided games, virtual conferences and webinars organised by the AFC MAs.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa urged MAs to promote the passion for football among children and youths whilst upholding the highest safety protocols during the celebrations.
"The AFC remains committed towards promoting football to an even wider audience but as we celebrate this year's events and activities, I request that the highest health and safety standards are put in place in all your grassroots programmes.
"Having said that, let us mark the AFC Grassroots Football Day 2022 with fun-filled activities that cultivate lifelong values, build character and positively impact the lives of people worldwide regardless of age, status, gender and abilities.
"The AFC's Vision reinforces our commitment to further develop the grassroots movement to ensure football remains the number one sport in Asia and it is heartening to see our MAs organise their activities in the same spirit and passion, focusing on fun, learning, safety and other relevant factors that make grassroots football a solid springboard for future success," said Shaikh Salman.
Among some of the activities launched and, in the pipeline, include an eight-month initiative by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) who will organise a football competition for teenagers across the country starting in May.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has targeted an outreach of 1,500 participants in their celebrations where they will set up nine diverse football stations for children aged between eight to 12 years old at the AFC Elite Youth Scheme three-star Aspire Academy.
Additionally, as part of efforts to promote the principles of inclusivity, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) will focus on Cerebral Palsy Football and Blind Football while the Palestine Football Association (PFA) aims to promote the sport among orphan children.
The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) will continue their proud record of joining the AFC Grassroots Football Day since its inception in 2013 and will organise festivals in 10 districts across the Kingdom.
Other MAs including the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) will mark their celebrations by leveraging on technology to organise virtual workshops and webinars.
The AFC Grassroots Football Day in 2022 will mark the ninth year of commemorating the promotion of the beautiful game across the Continent with participation amongst the AFC MAs growing as much as threefold since its introduction in 2013.