As part of the Confederation’s landmark AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE)’s expanding repertoire of online programmes, the six-month-long initiative will see 36 decision-makers from AFC Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and other football stakeholders follow in the footsteps of the graduates of the first edition, to further elevate the standards of football leadership on the Continent.

The ACFL comprises six comprehensive modules designed by the AFC that focus on increasing the leadership capabilities of participants via applicable perspectives, skill sets and tools. These in turn will lead to informed decision-making as they navigate their way through an ever-changing football landscape.

A mix of theoretical perspectives, hands-on activities, case studies and examples, these modules cover the Principles of Leadership, Influence and Impact through Communication, Organisational Design and Development in Football, Environmental, Social and Governance in Football, A Leader’s Perspective of Football Development and Performance as well as Managing Projects in Football.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John, in launching the second edition, said: “The AFC can only attain its Vision of remaining a leading Confederation with capable, forward-thinking leaders equipped with the knowledge and insight to make impactful, game-changing decisions aligned with the industry’s best practices.

“At the heart of the ACFL is the desire to further advance the AFC’s Member and Regional Associations via innovative, bespoke solutions. Their continuous development is our primary goal because as they progress, so does the larger Asian football community.

“Our future leaders play a key role in accomplishing our purpose, and this ground-breaking programme offers the tools, processes and competencies to take Asian football to new levels of change and growth and, on a personal basis, maximises the potential of the candidates.”

The session, which was hosted by AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, also saw the AFC General Secretary offer participants valuable advice and guidance, drawing from his remarkable career journey.

Graduates will be called upon to utilise their newfound skills and perspectives to overcome challenges on and off the pitch, manage circumstances and leverage opportunities to lead their respective organisations to new heights of excellence. 

The ACFL represents the ever-expanding suite of education-first online programmes introduced under the AFC ACE which include the acclaimed AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding and the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management.

For more details on the ACFL, please visit www.afcacademy.com