With the Confederation undertaking multiple initiatives to enhance the credibility and visibility of Asian coaches, including bilateral discussions with UEFA, the Coach Educators Club will focus on strengthening communication between the AFC and MA Coach Educators, creating greater opportunities for exchange in coach education, and providing technical information to those within the AFC’s Coach Education Circle.

 

In introducing the Club, AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh emphasised the importance of creating an effective learning environment, highlighting the role of coach education in protecting players from untrained coaches and ensuring former players are adequately prepared before entering the coaching profession.

 

“We all have a common goal to train coaches and create greater exchange opportunities for the MAs’ coaches and provide them with the latest technical information available,” he said.

 

“Together, we can help create a great learning environment with tutors who can build a safe place, both physically and emotionally, and establish efficient organisation based on respectful relationships.”

 

Attention then turned to the AFC Coaching Convention, which aims to constantly improve Asian football by supporting MAs in developing well-educated and competent coaches at all levels of the game.

 

The discussion also provided participants with an update on the latest edition of the AFC Coaching Convention’s Regulations and Guidelines, which is scheduled for release in 2027. The new edition will feature significant additions, including an enhanced assessment process as well as provisions covering Futsal, fitness and development coaches.

 

The session concluded with a dynamic and interactive exchange exploring the defining pillars of coach education, including approaches to creating effective learning environments, practical assessments, feedback and the continuous development of Coach Educators.