One of the major highlights of the meeting was a discussion on the latest additions to the AFC Coaching Convention regulations, which included the introduction of A and B Youth Diploma guidelines and a mandatory thesis submission for Pro-level members. Additionally, the experts exchanged ideas on ways to encourage more MAs to aim for Pro-level membership under the convention.

“An AFC Coaching Convention membership is a direct endorsement from the Confederation, giving coaching programmes credibility and recognition and helping to satisfy club licensing requirements,” said AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh.

“Moreover, it facilitates the free movement of qualified coaches, which, in turn, plays a key role in the long-term success of national teams and professional clubs.”

The meeting continued with the experts addressing several key subjects such as the need to introduce a standardised license system that can help establish a clear pathway for coaches to advance their careers, further underscoring the AFC’s vision and mission of ensuring the success of Asian teams on the global stage.

The panellists also received an overview of the ‘Hub Concept’, a project designed to enhance technical expertise and cultivate leadership among elite female coaches from selected AFC MAs.

The pilot edition, featuring 20 candidates, started in Japan last month with three more modules slated to be conducted in 2025 which will combine in-person learning with virtual classes. The panel members discussed ways to harness the immense potential of the project to make advanced coach education accessible to a broader range of participants.

Before concluding, attendees received updates on several key upcoming events, including the AFC/UEFA Coaching Diploma Equivalence Meeting in Nyon, Switzerland later this month, and the AFC Coach Education Conference in 2025.