Grassroots
Since receiving full membership in March 2022, the South Asian nation has strived to implement several improvements across various aspects, including player development programmes, youth competitions, and the promotion of women’s football.
Upon a thorough examination, the AFC Grassroots Panel members noted a significant enhancement in the Federation’s technical structure, which now features a dedicated team overseeing grassroots operations across the island nation.
In particular, the experts praised the close collaboration between the FFSL and its regional centres, established across various locations, which have successfully increased access to the sport, thereby upholding the AFC’s motto of providing everyone with a chance to play.
In a bid to further increase playing opportunities for children, the Federation has been regularly conducting grassroots competitions and festivals in partnership with local football academies, allowing children to nurture a love for the beautiful game. Moreover, the competitions have also played a key role in identifying talented young players and directing them towards a developmental pathway.
The panellists were also pleased to note the various partnerships that the Member Association has fostered over the years with several stakeholders, including local clubs, academies and schools, who have regularly joined hands to host festivals and expand the reach of the game to all corners of the community.
The FFSL also demonstrated a clear roadmap for the future, focusing on improving infrastructure, increasing participation opportunities, and strengthening collaboration with regional bodies, which reassured the AFC experts of the Federation’s ability to sustain its goals in the future.
Finally, they also lauded the efforts of the FFSL in harnessing the power of football to drive meaningful change in society through activities aimed at raising awareness on the importance of player protection and social responsibility.
Hailing the achievement, FFSL General Secretary Eraj Wimalasuriya said: “We are honoured to have our Bronze Membership under the AFC Grassroots Charter renewed and it is a recognition that belongs to the entire football community in Sri Lanka - our coaches, administrators, and the young players who bring the game to life.
“This achievement highlights our long-term commitment to nurturing the sport from the ground up. At the FFSL, our priority remains making football safe, inclusive, and accessible to every child, while continuing to invest in better coach education and expanded development pathways. By focusing on the grassroots foundations today, we are building a more sustainable and successful future for football in our country.”
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