November 12 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) marked the return of its Women’s Football Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after a five-year hiatus. First held in 2019, the conference reopened with the AFC Special Grassroots Awards and AFC Special Elite Youth Football Awards, celebrating the dedication of AFC Member Associations (MAs) in building future generations of Asian football talent.
Vietnam emerged as a standout winner, with Nguyen Hoang Phuong honoured as Best Grassroots Leader, while the Football For All in Vietnam (FFAV) initiative took home Best Grassroots Project. China PR’s Tianjin Pengcheng Football Club was recognised as Best Grassroots Club, and Malaysia’s Liga Suparimau won Best Grassroots Competition.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John congratulated the award recipients, noting: “Our collective duty is to build a brighter future by enhancing our structures of excellence more systematically and cohesively. I am thrilled to see our unsung heroes honoured for their dedication to growing grassroots football across the continent.”
Best Grassroots Leader, Vietnamese coach Nguyen Hoang Phuong, added: “This recognition represents the FFAV’s significant contributions to grassroots football in Vietnam. It motivates us to remain committed to our mission and enhances the credibility of our programs, making them more attractive to potential partners and stakeholders.”
Launched in 2001 through a partnership with the Vietnam Football Federation and the Football Association of Norway, ‘Football For All in Vietnam’ has reached nearly 100,000 children across 15 provinces in Vietnam, helping it win Best Grassroots Project at the ceremony. The initiative is built on principles of inclusivity and sustainability, establishing over 400 grassroots clubs that provide young players with access to football and essential life skills.
FFAV Vice Director Nguyen Thi Hoa highlighted the program’s success, stating, “The project was created to allow millions of children in Vietnam to play football and gain essential life skills. FFAV has made a lasting impact by promoting inclusivity, personal growth, and social cohesion in Vietnamese communities.”
As grassroots football continues to gain momentum in Asia, the AFC’s award programme remains an important platform for honouring and recognising the leaders and initiatives fuelling its growth.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735263920labto1735263920ofdlr1735263920owedi1735263920sni@g1735263920niwe.1735263920yrrah1735263920
