The focus of the event was primarily on exploring ways to enhance existing programmes for youth footballers aged between 16 and 19, by honing not only their technical skills but also their mental resilience and increasing their exposure to competitive matches, all of which remain essential components in shaping their pathway to professional football.

“This age group is a formative stage where we are dealing with players in national youth teams and it’s a crucial stepping stone for talented youngsters who are at the threshold of pursuing the sport professionally,” said AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh.

“We must be able to help them master techniques under pressure and develop a winning mentality, so it is imperative to provide them with expert guidance.”

The experts also emphasised the need to equip coaches with the appropriate skills to guide elite youth players while providing opportunities for them to play competitive matches regularly.

The participants were also kept abreast of the salient features of the AFC’s latest initiatives, including the Triple-A Project, aimed at enhancing meaningful engagement with its MAs through structured summits, and an ongoing research project, in collaboration with the University of Tsukuba, which serves as a reference point for strengthening elite youth ecosystems across Asia.

Before concluding, the session also updated panellists on the upcoming activities under the Confederation’s technical endeavours, such as the publication of the inaugural AFC Elite Youth Bulletin, which will serve as a handbook for youth football development in Asia by showcasing standout initiatives from various AFC MAs for developing MAs to implement in their respective programmes.