Ahead of the on-site inspection conducted from September 21 to 24, the AFC Youth panel members carried out comprehensive evaluations of the UFA and all three academies, confirming their sustainable development plans, substantial financial investment and long-term strategic vision.

Among the numerous notable factors, the UFA’s multi-level youth development pyramid, covering national and regional academies, club academies and grassroots football, emerged as particularly impressive.

The panellists also commended the competition system for talented youth footballers, whose success has been repeatedly demonstrated. In the last three years alone, the Central Asian side has captured continental titles at both U17 and U20 levels, qualified for the Olympic Games and, in 2025, achieved a historic first qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

The UFA’s frameworks for individual player development, sports science and coach education, alongside its close collaboration between national teams and clubs, also drew praise. Its U19 domestic league was named the AFC Youth League of the Year at the AFC Special Youth Awards 2025.

Similarly, the AFC delegates lauded the Republican National Football Academy in Tashkent for its robust elite youth football development model, which features its own philosophy and player pathways, a scouting methodology and ambitious plans for the near future.

Meanwhile, the Samarkand Regional Football Academy proved to be another promising project, currently comprising teams from the U13 to U19 age groups, with the U19 side competing in the Uzbekistan U19 Championship.

The academy’s facilities include several pitches, indoor halls, a gymnasium, medical rehabilitation spaces and dormitories, while its coaching staff includes coaches holding AFC A-Licences, supported by specialists including dedicated goalkeeping coaches, fitness staff and analysts. The panellists were also pleased to note the mutual understanding between the academy and the UFA, with the former using the national Milliy Futbol digital system to facilitate seamless knowledge sharing.

Finally, the Bukhara Regional Football Academy also showcased a strong foundation, with satisfactory squad strengths across the U13 to U19 age groups and its U19 side competing in the domestic U19 league.

The academy’s facilities, comprising multiple grass pitches, an indoor futsal hall, an equipped gym and medical rehabilitation rooms, were singled out for praise by the AFC experts. Supported by state funding, the academy also provides additional services, including return-to-play protocols, group and individual psychological counselling, and educational seminars.

Moreover, the academy maintains close ties with top-flight club PFC Bukhoro, regularly organising matches that have helped several academy players progress to national youth teams and professional clubs over the years.

Hailing the achievement, UFA First Vice President Ravshan Irmatov said: “Uzbekistan has shown what is possible if we stay committed. We have developed young players, empowered young coaches, and trusted a long-term vision which has proven that today’s opportunity is tomorrow’s success.”