The 10 graduates were part of a unique hybrid initiative that was delivered as part of the Garuda Academy’s CORE 3 and CORE 4 Programme, in collaboration with the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

Taking place in Indonesia for the first time, the programme was conducted over two months in Jakarta. Comprising six modules, it supported the continuous development of financially resilient, well-governed football organisations, further contributing to the long-term professionalisation of the football ecosystem across Asia.

“I’ve picked up so much new information and, more importantly, practical ways to apply them,” said Syifa Alya Rahmah. “The fundamental lessons, concepts, and takeaways made me realise there’s more to leadership and administration skills and competencies, and I intend to fully utilise all I’ve learnt.”

Aditya Pratama Siregar added: “The ACFAM enables me to lead, innovate and enhance football administration. It covered all aspects required to hone my capabilities and gave me a new outlook on just how critical leadership is in elevating the Asian game.”

Participants were equipped with key leadership and administrative capabilities through a series of modules that encompassed areas including income generation, professional club licensing, content creation, financial management, strategic management and football governance.

Progress was tracked via applied learning sessions, case studies and interactive discussions – components that strengthened their understanding of sustainable business models, effective governance frameworks and strategic decision-making in modern football organisations.

AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, said: “This specially-tailored programme meets PSSI’s strategic requirements, and was designed to boost the abilities of future leaders of Asian football, provide them with comprehensive knowledge and ensure they are fully capable of staying abreast of a continually-evolving football landscape.

“The AFC places the development of our Member and Regional Associations above and beyond, and I congratulate our graduates for their dedication to not only improving their leadership and administration capacities, but also for helping us move closer to achieving our Mission and Vision and simultaneously taking the Continental game to greater heights.”

Launched in 2023 for managers and administrators from AFC Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) as well as independent stakeholders, the ACFAM programme comes under the AFC’s Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), which equips existing and aspiring leaders with administrative competencies and football-specific skillsets to manage daily operations in a football organisation.

The ACFAM follows other breakthrough educational initiatives, including the AFC Club Management Programme, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning and the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme.

For more information on the ACFAM, please visit https://www.afcacademy.com.