AFC Grassroots Day 2026 unites Asia’s football communities

Kuala Lumpur: The 13th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Grassroots Day brought communities together across the Continent as 45 Member Associations (MAs) celebrated the beautiful game and engaged thousands of participants in a showcase of football's power to inspire, connect and include.

Held annually on May 23, this year's events once again coincided with FIFA's World Football Week, reinforcing the AFC's support for the United Nations' Football for the Goals initiative and its shared commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through football.

Join us at the-AFC.com for the third and final part of a series (Part 1 can be found here and Part 2 is here) that highlights how MAs embraced the AFC Grassroots Day 2026 with creativity and enthusiasm.

Malaysia

Held on July 4 at the SMK Presint 11(2) FIFA Arena in Putrajaya, the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) celebrations for the AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 aimed to inspire children’s interest in football through structured grassroots activities and strengthen collaboration between FAM and educational institutions in supporting grassroots football development.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Malaysia

Item 1 of 5

Featuring football sessions that were delivered by FAM-accredited grassroots coaches, 80 students from SMK Presint 11(2) participated a programme that comprised fun football games, basic technical skill activities, small-sided games, team-building exercises, and football challenges that promoted teamwork, communication, and fair play.

Organised with the support of the Federal Territory Education Department and the school's administration, the event increased awareness of grassroots football within the school community and at the same time reinforced FAM's commitment to the AFC Grassroots Charter and the long-term development of football in Malaysia.

Singapore

Football's power to connect communities was brought to the fore by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS)’s Migrant Workers Football Festival.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Singapore

Item 1 of 50

Organised in partnership with the Dormitory Association of Singapore Limited, the AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 event welcomed migrant workers from across the island for a day of friendly competition at the Woodlands Recreation Centre, reflecting the FAS' commitment to fostering an inclusive football environment.

A total of 220 participants representing 22 teams contested a five-a-side tournament, while students from Republic Polytechnic volunteered to support operations. FAS Deputy General Secretary Gerard Christopher closed out the tournament by presenting medals and the championship trophy to the top four teams.

Sri Lanka

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka brought together young football enthusiasts from across the Eastern Province for their AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 get-together in Mutur. Organised in collaboration with the Eastern Provincial Education Department, it united schools, coaches and the local football community.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Sri Lanka

Item 1 of 29

A total of 250 children from 20 schools guided by 25 coaches and assisted by 25 volunteers immersed themselves in technical workshops, small-sided games and community activities that encouraged teamwork and friendship.

The attendance of Executive Committee member and President of the Ampara Football League, Abdul Manaf, together with officials from local football leagues, underscored the commitment to grassroots football development in Sri Lanka.

Syria

Two dynamic festivals brought together hundreds of young footballers eager to leave their mark at the Syrian Football Association (SFA)’s gatherings at Damascus’ Al-Fayhaa Main Stadium and Hama’s Industrial Artificial Pitch.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Syria

Item 1 of 24

A total of 400 boys and girls representing local clubs, private academies and football centres took part in 20 interactive activity stations featuring football games, technical challenges and small-sided matches. They were supported by 60 volunteer coaches, including female student volunteers who highlighted the SFA's commitment to promoting greater gender inclusivity.

Two ambassadors from Syrian football added to the excitement as Syrian Professional League top scorer Mohamed Al-Waked joined the festivities in Damascus, while Syrian youth national team player Mohamed Abu Samra shared the experience with participants in Hama.

Tajikistan

A total of 250 children took to the pitch as part of a festival organised by the Tajikistan Football Federation (TFF) at the Central Republican Stadium in Dushanbe.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Tajikistan

Item 1 of 13

It gathered boys and girls aged between seven and 12, highlighting the TFF's dedication to providing meaningful football opportunities for children of all ages while inspiring the next generation to take up the beautiful game.

Throughout the day, the young participants enjoyed a series of fun-filled relay activities and games designed to develop teamwork, coordination and confidence. Each participant also received a football and a T-shirt, ensuring the occasion left a lasting impression.

Thailand

The Football Association of Thailand observed the AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 in Satun Province with an agenda that combined football, education and child development.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Thailand

Item 1 of 50

Around 100 children took part in ball possession drills, small-sided games, analytical sessions and a mini-tournament designed to develop their dribbling, passing, decision-making and teamwork. Volunteers played a key role in ensuring every child experienced a fun, memorable day.

The event also incorporated sessions on child safeguarding and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting football's role in fostering respect, inclusion and positive values.

Timor-Leste

Bringing together boys and girls from their grassroots programme and the Youth Football Centre, the Football Federation of Timor-Leste (FFTL) celebrated the AFC Grassroots Day 2026 with a festival at the Dili artificial pitches.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Timor-Leste

Item 1 of 5

A total of 160 players divided into mixed groups contested a series of 10-v-10 matches guided by the FFTL Technical Division, grassroots staff and a team of 10 local coaches. Every child present was given the opportunity to showcase their skills and understand the values of teamwork, respect and fair play.

Launched by FFTL General Secretary Jose Adilson Ribeiro, the festival also attracted the enthusiastic support of families, creating a vibrant community atmosphere that reflected football's ability to bring people together.

Turkmenistan

To commemorate AFC Grassroots Day 2026, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT) organised a vibrant festival at Dashoguz Stadium that saw 250 boys and girls aged between seven and 12 assemble for a morning of football fun.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Turkmenistan

Item 1 of 6

Supported by FFT representatives and 15 volunteer coaches, the youngsters enhanced their fundamental skills by taking part in drills, passing and shooting exercises, small-sided games and mini-matches.

The festival reflected the Federation's continued commitment to introduce more children to the grassroots game while emphasising participation, teamwork and healthy living.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) kicked off AFC Grassroots Day 2026 with 225 young players at the Association’s headquarters in Al Khawaneej, Dubai.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - United Arab Emirates

Item 1 of 35

The two-hour programme featured girls competing in U12 and U14 small-sided matches while boys in the U9 age group demonstrated their abilities through a dedicated Talent Identification Day. This proved the highest participation recorded at a UAEFA grassroots activity to date.

Aside from encouraging children to embrace the game and allowing them to showcase their skills, the TID programme also supported preparations for the 2026/27 season by identifying promising players for the UAEFA’s State Centre and Elite development pathways.

Vietnam

Children from local communities came together for a day of fun and learning as the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) marked the AFC Grassroots Day 2026 in Vinh Thanh Commune, Gia Lai province to reflect their commitment to bring football to ethnic minority neighbourhoods.

AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026 - Vietnam

Item 1 of 8

The highlight of the event was the participation of less-fortunate children from Quy Nhon SOS Children's Village, who joined local youngsters in a welcoming environment that promoted confidence, social integration and a sense of belonging.

The day’s programme featured interactive games and small-sided football sessions that aimed to develop teamwork and discipline. The presence of VFF representatives, local authorities and the Gia Lai Football Federation further underlined a collective aim to expand grassroots football across the nation.

Photos courtesy of respective Member Associations

AFC Grassroots Day 2026 unites Asia’s football communities – Part 3