Post by : Rameen Ariff

Riyadh, October 2025: The United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) has proudly claimed the prestigious AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football – Gold Category at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025. The ceremony, hosted at the King Fahd Cultural Centre and sponsored by NEOM, honoured national associations across Asia for outstanding efforts in promoting and developing football at the grassroots level. With this award, UAEFA has firmly established itself as a leading force in nurturing young talent and expanding the reach of football across the Emirates.

Over the past year, the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) has made remarkable strides in strengthening grassroots football, organising community tournaments, open leagues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and age-group festivals for players under 7, 8, and 9 years old. These initiatives reflect UAEFA’s commitment to making football accessible to children of all backgrounds. By focusing on grassroots football, UAEFA ensures that young players not only develop their skills but also embrace teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game from an early age.

The efforts of the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) have brought together nearly 28,600 young players from 83 nationalities, showcasing the nation’s diverse and inclusive sporting community. Activities organised by UAEFA spanned 65 locations nationwide and received support from major partners including the UAE Pro League, Dubai Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Through grassroots football, UAEFA has successfully fostered a sense of community, inclusion, and healthy competition, making football a shared passion across the Emirates.

Beyond participation, the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) has placed strong emphasis on social responsibility, ensuring that all grassroots football programs provide a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment for children. UAEFA continues to invest in modern infrastructure, coaching programs, and training facilities, reinforcing its mission to make football the most accessible and popular sport in the country. This dedication to grassroots football highlights UAEFA’s long-term vision of nurturing talent and inspiring a new generation of footballers.

While the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) celebrated Gold, the Football Association of Malaysia and the Bangladesh Football Federation received the Silver and Bronze awards respectively, recognising their efforts in promoting grassroots football. The achievement of UAEFA at the AFC Awards underscores the nation’s growing influence in Asian football and its commitment to developing young athletes who can dream, play, and succeed both locally and internationally.

With this landmark recognition, the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) continues to inspire millions of young football enthusiasts, proving that structured grassroots programs, dedication, and inclusivity can transform the sporting landscape of an entire nation.

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