March 10 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) celebrated the 11th edition of its Women’s Football Day over the weekend, taking place in conjunction with International Women’s Day. It attracted nearly 24,000 participants from 40 AFC Member Associations (MAs), as it looked to showcase the continued growth of women’s football across the continent.
The 2024 edition follows a significant year for women’s football in Asia, with significantly improved performances from youth national teams and the introduction of the AFC Women’s Champions League.
Stand out activities were seen in eight MAs, including Bhutan, Guam, India, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, who marked their 11th consecutive year of attendance at the event, establishing themselves as a frontrunner for women’s football development from the very start.
In India, the celebrations included a mix of small-sided games and school programmes, engaging more than 11,000 participants.
Iraq, returning after a two-year hiatus, hosted a match between the national team and a regional club, whilst Singapore kicked off its domestic women’s football season with the inaugural Women’s Charity Football Festival, in partnership with the Breast Cancer Foundation, raising awareness for women’s health while showcasing local talent.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “This past year, we have witnessed several historic moments and significant milestones that reaffirmed the immense potential of women’s football across the Continent.
“However, even as we pause to celebrate the phenomenal success of our youth teams, we must constantly seek ways to help them continue on their upward trajectory.”
With continued support from its Member Associations, the AFC says its Women’s Football Day remains an important platform for promoting the women’s game and encouraging participation at all levels across Asia.
Hailing the efforts of the AFC’s MAs, Shaikh Salman added: “With so much progress made and even more to strive for, let us take a moment to recognise the incredible journey of the women’s game in Asia, none of which would have been possible without the dedication of our MAs and Regional Associations, and the countless individuals who continue to push the game forward.
“Let us continue to break barriers for our future generations to be a part of the beautiful game in whatever capacity that attracts them – be it a player, coach, referee or administrator, and I assure you that the AFC will always be there to lend a hand in all your endeavours.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1741976490labto1741976490ofdlr1741976490owedi1741976490sni@g1741976490niwe.1741976490yrrah1741976490
