The inspection featured an in-depth discussion with LFF General Secretary Yodkeo Phawadee and Technical Director V Sundram Moorthy, alongside key members of the technical department, who highlighted the various measures undertaken to enhance the elite youth ecosystem in the Southeast Asian nation.

 

With the LFF establishing a five-year plan in 2023, the panelists were encouraged by the progress achieved in the last two years, most notably the launch of the Elite Youth League in 2024 and the introduction of the Champa-Champi Elite Programme, a talent identification system supported by the FIFA Talent Development Scheme.

 

The experts noted the key role played by the Champa-Champi Elite Youth Centre, which has quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the federation’s youth development strategy, providing a structured training environment for young players while ensuring consistent introduction to the competitive side of the sport through the Elite Youth League.

 

The panel members also lauded the federation’s efforts in implementing a clear development pathway, with multiple youth and grassroots competitions broadening the talent pool for players aged seven to 16 through regular match exposure.

Beyond benefiting players, the system has also enabled coaches to refine their capabilities through modern training methodologies, enhancing their understanding of the game while allowing them to develop their own philosophies within a unified framework aligned with the federation’s long-term vision.

The experts were further impressed by the development of infrastructure, particularly at the KM16 training centre, which provides a professional environment for both male and female youth players.

On receiving the endorsement, LFF President Viphet Sihachakr said: “We are truly honoured to be awarded the one-star membership under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme as it highlights our steadfast commitment to strengthening youth development structures and building a sustainable pathway for young talents.

“This is a significant milestone for the LFF and will serve as a powerful motivation to further enhance our technical programmes, coaching standards and grassroots initiatives.”

“We remain committed to working closely with the AFC to elevate our youth football ecosystem and to create greater opportunities for the next generation of players to thrive at both regional and international levels,” he added.