Kochi: The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Grassroots Programme received a shot in the arm when it was nominated in the top three in Asia along with winners Japan and Vietnam for the AFC Grassroots MA of the Year Award.
“As part of the implementation of Lakshya, AIFF's focus is on Grassroots and Youth Development,“ said AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das.
“In 2013, the AIFF has embarked on a comprehensive and active Grassroots Programme across six states including an agreement with Football Federation of Australia (FFA). The AIFF will continue to focus on Grassroots and Youth Development in future years,“ he added.
The AIFF signed an agreement under the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) with Football Federation of Australia (FFA) on October 30 to support All India Football Federation’s Grassroots Programme.
This new award was started this year and aims to recognise a member association who has made tremendous efforts to promote Grassroots Football.
The launch of this award could not have been timelier as the year 2013 has also been marked as AFC Grassroots Year, while May 15 has been designated as AFC Grassroots Day.
The award is given to a mem
ber association based on factors such as its structure and philosophy/policy, links with partners for grassroots football development, technical programmes, activities on social responsibility in grassroots, exchange programmes and special developmental/promotional activities during the AFC Grassroots Year 2013.
AIFF's Grassroots Programme is designed for kids between 6-12 years through a comprehensive Grassroots Strategic Development Plan (designed under the Lakshya Master Plan), and is currently running in as many as six states, where children are given the opportunity to participate and enjoy the game of football through small-sided games and age specific activities under the guidance of trained Grassroots leaders.
