During a four-day visit earlier this month, AFC Grassroots assessors met with key UAEFA representatives, including General Secretary Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhaheri, Technical Director Jan Van Winckel, and members of the grassroots football division at the UAEFA headquarters.

The assessors lauded the efforts of the UAE FA in upholding the core values of the AFC Grassroots Charter by expanding the reach of the sport to as many people as possible.

Moreover, owing to the country’s diverse population, the Association also actively promotes inclusivity by providing people of all backgrounds and abilities with an opportunity to develop a passion for the beautiful game.

Moreover, the experts were reassured to note the Association’s wide network and close collaboration with government bodies, sports councils, schools, and private clubs, creating an ideal environment for children to develop a life-long love for football.

The assessors were also impressed by the UAEFA’s initiatives to identify and nurture young talent through programmes such as the Dubai Open Football Academies (DOFA) and the Abu Dhabi Junior League (ADJL).

As part of its five-year plan, the UAE FA has consistently worked towards providing competitive playing opportunities, leading to the establishment of numerous youth leagues across the country over the years. Furthermore, the UAE FA has made significant progress in women’s football, with a league currently comprising 10 teams.

Among the other noteworthy elements of the UAEFA’s grassroots development programme are its efforts to use football as a tool for shaping well-rounded individuals by introducing them to social initiatives such as lectures on ethics and morals, football festivals promoting tenets of discipline and team spirit, as well as awareness campaigns on child safeguarding and health and safety.

UAEFA General Secretary Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhaheri said: “The UAEFA places the utmost importance on attracting youngsters to the football field with the aim of nurturing their talents and building connections between them and the football community. The increase in grassroots competitions will benefit the future of UAE football providing a solid foundation built on sound principles”