Following a welcome address by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the panel received updates on the AFC Grassroots Charter, which currently comprises 44 Member Associations (MAs).

The session was followed by evaluations of the latest milestones achieved by MAs under the Charter, during which the panel assessed applications for membership renewal and upgrades in line with the AFC’s standards and guidelines.

The discussions then turned toward the key challenges faced by MAs at the foundational level, with panel members sharing insights on topics such as 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, the experts further examined the findings of a recent survey conducted on grassroots and elite youth developmental programmes in Asia, which underscored 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 resounding success of the AFC Grassroots Football Day 2025, which, for the first time, was celebrated on May 23 to align with the United Nations’ World Football Day and FIFA’s World Football Week and boasted an involvement of more than 31,000 participants.

Additionally, the panel members were also presented with highlights of the recently concluded AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 – presented by NEOM, which saw the exceptional efforts of the AFC MAs being honoured with the AFC President’s Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football.

As the meeting drew to a close, 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.