Landmark AFC Programme champions gender equity in football

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reinforced its strong commitment to advancing women’s roles in football with the launch of the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP), an innovative online initiative highlighting the various contributions women make to the football industry, both on and off the field.

This six-month programme will provide participants with essential knowledge and skills to better understand the global football ecosystem, promote gender equity and inclusion, and identify and tackle industry barriers using ethical, strategic, and diplomatic approaches.

The programme will examine the significant contributions women have made in football’s history across areas like business strategy, advocacy, brand transformation, executive leadership, and other key aspects of the modern game. It will highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion, showcasing their exceptional role in advancing both Asian and global football.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John talks extensively about the programme.

“The AEWFP is truly a groundbreaking programme that aligns with the AFC’s continuous championing and promotion of gender equity, inclusivity and integrity,” he said via press release.

“From a historical viewpoint to contemporary leadership, women have long played, and are playing, a powerful role in shaping the football industry. This programme not only honours their immense contributions but also empowers the next generation to drive positive, inclusive change and lead the football business into a future of excellence.

“The AFC places the advancement of our MAs, RAs and the Asian football community as key to realising our Vision of becoming the world’s leading Confederation. The AEWFP is in line with our objective, and we strive to ensure it provides our leaders with the knowledge to continue making impactful decisions that keep to the industry’s best practices, for the betterment of their respective organisations and global football as a whole.”

The AEWFP is the newest initiative from the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), established in 2021 to enhance the skills of Asian football leaders. It adds to a prestigious line-up of programmes, including the AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, and AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning.

The AEWFP, designed for leaders of the AFC Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs), and other football stakeholders, consists of seven modules. These modules address topics such as the strategic influence of women in football business, overcoming barriers, driving organisational innovation, and empowering women in executive leadership roles.

These tailored modules are delivered online, combining theoretical insights, practical activities, and real-world case studies. Participants will graduate with the skills to make decisions that enhance inclusivity, diversity, and integrity, while strengthening women’s impact on the global growth of football in an ever-evolving and competitive environment.

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Canada Soccer to begin new National Training Centre project

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Backed by the Government of Canada with an investment worth nearly AUD 10 million ($9,826,000), the project aims to establish a world-class facility for athletes, coaches and communities.

Building the sport and community

The investment comes as part of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), an ambitious program of the Government of Canada which will provide AUD 51 billion ($51 billion) to infrastructure projects over 10 years.

However, the Canada Soccer Training Centre is one key project which will benefit from such substantial investment. But the project isn’t just for future players – it will help boost economic activity and create a facility built for excellence and growth.

“It is about creating a world-class sport facility where athletes can train and represent Canada at their best,” explained Secretary of State (Sport), Honourable Adam van Koeverden, via press release.

“From the playground to the podium, it is projects like this that provide athletes, coaches, local families and communities with vibrant, accessible spaces to fuel participation, connection, and a growing passion for sport.”

President of Canada Soccer, Peter Auguros, further expressed his gratitude for the investment and what it could bring future generations.

“This support reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to strengthen communities and develop the next generation of Canadian talent. We are proud to partner in building infrastructure that will benefit our athletes and help shape the future of the sport in Canada.”

 

Growth gains momentum

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to kick off in a few short weeks, Canada Soccer’s plan for a National Training Centre Project is symbolic of long-term vision.

The tournament is not a final flourish, but a stepping stone to accelerated growth.

And this is not a short-term setup.

As President of Concacaf and Vice-Preisdent of FIFA, Victori Montagliani explained, this is a project designed to survive for generations.

“The development of a National Training Centre in Canada represents an important legacy project for the country and it is always a positive sign when our members invest in infrastructure across the region.”

 

Final thoughts

The project, therefore, perfectly aligns a growing buzz for football across the region with intentional investment and ambition.

And although the action must eventually stop on the pitch, Canada Soccer are ensuring that growth continues long after the tournament’s final whistle.

Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

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Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.

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