Anchored in the visionary Saudi Football Transformation Strategy (2021-2030), which aims to develop football infrastructure, enhance talent identification and expand the reach of the beautiful game across the region, the SAFF’s grassroots programme currently engages over six million children across 47 districts.

 

The four-day visit provided the AFC experts with an opportunity to meet several officials from the Federation, including SAFF President Yasser Hassan M Almisehal and SAFF General Secretary Ibrahim S. Alkassim.

They also engaged in several productive dialogues with SAFF Director of Grassroots Administration Ahmed Al-Bahrani and SAFF Technical Director Nasser Parquet, to discuss existing programmes and plans to further develop football in the West Asian nation.

 

Among the several achievements of the SAFF in the recent past, the AFC delegation was particularly impressed to witness the steadfast efforts to increase women's participation.

 

Since the establishment of the SAFF Women’s Football Department (WFD), school leagues for girls have engaged nearly 70,000 participants, while as many as six Regional Training Centres have also been established for identifying and honing the skills of talented young female players.

Moreover, the SAFF’s WFD also spearheads several festivals and events, in collaboration with regional stakeholders to foster greater inclusivity and opportunities for female players.

 

The SAFF’s emphasis on educational programmes was yet another factor that reassured the AFC grassroots panel members of its commitment to sustainable and long-term growth. By 2023, thousands of aspiring coaches, players and volunteers have benefitted from its courses, including initiatives under the FIFA Football For Schools programme, which has enabled community members from all walks of life, regardless of their social or physical disadvantages to experience the power of football.

In congratulating the SAFF Technical team, President Yasser said: “I am immensely grateful to our technical staff, whose efforts have resulted in this gold-level endorsement. Their work has contributed to the implementation of several programmes directed towards youth development.

 

“We must remember that we cannot progress without enhancing our age-group categories. Therefore, securing this gold membership under the AFC Grassroots Charter is a significant milestone. This recognition is a culmination of years of hard work, and the SAFF remains committed to advancing grassroots football to serve the larger Saudi Arabian football system.”