AFC closes grassroots conference with renewed development commitment

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has wrapped up its 4th Grassroots Football Conference, held this week in Kuala Lumpur, marking a renewed push to elevate grassroots development across the continent.

More than 100 delegates from AFC Member Associations gathered for three days of workshops, presentations, and discussions aimed at tackling some of the sport’s most persistent challenges – from player retention and coaching standards to the growing role of technology in youth development.

AFC technical director Andy Roxburgh opened the conference with a keynote stressing the fundamentals of accessible, safe, and enjoyable football at entry level, while warning against over-competitive structures and early exposure to full-sided formats. His message set the tone for a conference focused as much on participation as performance.

The programme featured contributions from UEFA technical advisor Frank Ludolph, who outlined Europe’s evolving grassroots framework and the lessons it offers for Asia’s expanding football base. AFC Grassroots Advisor Robin Russell followed with a forward-looking session on participation trends, highlighting issues such as volunteer shortages and infrastructure gaps – and how innovations like artificial intelligence could soon play a part in shaping development pathways.

Among the key moments was the presentation of an ongoing research partnership between the AFC and Japan’s University of Tsukuba, home to notable alumni including Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma. The study aims to map grassroots and youth systems across Asia and design region-specific models to improve access and performance.

The conference closed with the AFC Special Awards, recognising individuals and academies driving progress at the foundation of the game. For many attendees, the event provided a rare opportunity to share experiences from vastly different footballing contexts — a reminder that Asia’s next generation of players will depend as much on collaboration and community as on elite pathways.

Sri Lanka’s grassroots head Chaminda Steinwall, said: “We’ll go back to our organisations with fresh ideas and practical tools. It’s about making sure football continues to grow from the ground up – sustainably, and for everyone.”