Kuala lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Grassroots Panel for the 2024-2025 term convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reaffirming the Confederation's unwavering commitment to enhancing grassroots development across Asia.

According to Qatar News Agency, the gathering occurred on the eve of the 4th AFC Grassroots Football Conference, where the panel reviewed the year's progress, exchanged ideas, and identified key areas of focus for the near future. Following a welcome address by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, updates were provided on the AFC Grassroots Charter, which currently includes 44 Member Associations (MAs).

The session included evaluations of the latest milestones achieved by MAs under the Charter. The panel assessed applications for membership renewal and upgrades, ensuring alignment with the AFC's standards and guidelines. Discussions addressed key challenges faced by MAs at the foundational level, with panel members sharing insights on promoting and organising grassroots competitions, improving data collection systems, expanding coaching pathways through licensing courses, and creating more opportunities for girls-only teams and competitions.

Building on these discussions, experts examined a recent survey on grassroots and elite youth developmental programmes in Asia. The survey highlighted the importance of sustaining player participation beyond youth levels, encouraging greater volunteer involvement, strengthening social inclusion initiatives, and amplifying awareness of football's health benefits.

The panel also reflected on the success of the AFC Grassroots Football Day 2025, celebrated for the first time on May 23 to align with the United Nations' World Football Day and FIFA's World Football Week, which saw participation from over 31,000 individuals.

Additionally, the panel reviewed highlights from the recently concluded AFC Awards Riyadh 2025, presented by NEOM, where exceptional efforts by the AFC MAs were honoured with the AFC President's Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football.

As the meeting concluded, the panel received an overview of the upcoming AFC Grassroots Football Conference 2025, where delegates will continue to exchange insights and celebrate excellence in grassroots and youth development, including through the presentation of the AFC Special Awards 2025.