Saudi Football Federation Achieves Gold Membership in AFC Grassroots Charter
Saudi Football Federation Earns Gold Membership in AFC Grassroots Charter. SPA
Riyadh: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has achieved Gold Membership in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Grassroots Charter. This honor highlights its success in developing youth football programs while meeting high Asian standards.
Recognition Without Steps
The SAFF secured gold status directly, skipping lower recognition levels. This reflects its strong focus on nurturing young talent, guided by the Saudi Football Transformation Strategy, launched in 2021.
Key Highlights in Youth Football
The AFC evaluated the SAFF in early November, recognizing several key achievements:
- Talent Programs: The federation launched 25 talent identification initiatives across Saudi Arabia.
- Training Centers: It opened 23 regional centers to train young players.
- Youth Competitions: Tournaments for ages 15–18 increased from 8 to 12, while events for ages 11–14 grew from 35 to 86.
- Tech Integration: The SAFF introduced the SAFF+ platform, enabling match streaming, analysis, and statistics. This platform also helps academies and private clubs join local competitions.
Progress in Women’s and Amateur Football
The SAFF also expanded women’s football programs and strengthened amateur leagues. These efforts aim to make football more inclusive and accessible across Saudi Arabia.
Leadership’s Commitment
SAFF President Yasser bin Hassan Al-Misehal expressed his gratitude to the technical department for its efforts. He credited professional strategies for discovering and refining talent, leading to this achievement.
“We are proud of this milestone. It reflects years of hard work and progress,” said Al-Misehal. “By restructuring youth competitions and strengthening technical expertise, we’ve created a foundation for the future of Saudi football.”
Continuing the Journey
With this achievement, the SAFF is committed to advancing football at all levels. It aims to serve as a model for grassroots football development across Asia.
[related_post_block post_link=”https://arabtimesnews.com/uae-unveils-worlds-first-chatgpt-tool-for-farmers-at-cop29/”]
