AFC Grassroots Panel confirms desire to grow football in Asia

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Image credit: AFC website

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reaffirmed its desire to establish soccer as the most popular sport in Asia at the AFC Grassroots Panel meeting 2024.

Hosted at the InterContinental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, the panel meeting outlined the organisation’s aspiration to connect more people than ever to soccer, regardless of their social, economic or physical disadvantages.

To begin the meeting, panel members reviewed the latest endorsements of the AFC Grassroots Charter. They focused on how to grow and develop the agreement, which currently has 43 Member Associations (MAs).

Through the meeting, members discussed the most recent grassroots objectives, including the standardisation of grassroots data collection systems and registration, and the introduction and reinforcement of mandatory child protection measures.

The panel examined the findings of a recent survey coordinated by the AFC and the Japan Football Association, which aimed to find effective ways to support MA’s development of players through gathering information on the landscape of grassroots and youth football in Asia.

Attendees also discussed the importance of a potential training course for grassroots leaders, that would teach topics such as skill development, motivation, and player safety, to help aide community figures.

AFC Technical Director, Andy Roxburgh, spoke about how important it was to reach young people through such courses.

“Grassroots football starts with young people. Therefore, it is essential that we establish a safe environment that provides a fun experience while promoting health, good habits, happiness, and hope,” he said at the conference.

“The proposed sessions are designed to equip teachers, parents, and volunteers with essential knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared for the delicate task of introducing football to children for the first time.”

To finalise the meeting, panellists were also praised for their role in the 11th AFC Grassroots Football Day 2024. The day involved 43 MAs connecting together through tournaments, festivals and seminars, to celebrate the beauty and strength of grassroots soccer.

Furthermore, members were shown highlights of the AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023, where AFC MAs had been rewarded for their work with the AFC President’s Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football.

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Celebrating Ability Workshop Scheduled for December

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Image credit: Football Victoria

The Celebrating Ability event will take place at The Home of The Matildas on Saturday, December 6.

The event promises an interactive day of learning and connection, featuring group workshops, the launch of Football Victoria’s new Disability Football Framework, and club education sessions with Aspect to promote inclusion across all levels of the game.

The Celebrating Ability event will offer a completely free, in-person opportunity for clubs to explore the space and take part in the celebration of the International Day of People With a Disability (IDoPWD).

The day will include:

Launch: Football Victoria will officially unveil its Disability Football Framework on December 3

Workshop: Clubs can learn how to start and run an All Abilities program

Education Session: Delivered by Football Victoria’s partners, providing practical guidance and support

Engagement: Attendees will gain insights from guest speakers and have the opportunity to connect with other clubs, coaches, and administrators

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm

Where: The Home of the Matildas, Sports Drive, Bundoora, 3083

Registration: Registration is required. Please use the link below to secure your place

This event offers an excellent opportunity for clubs across Victoria to engage, learn, and celebrate ability. Clubs are encouraged to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

The Digital Playbook for Football Finance: Miagen’s Approach

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Bringing Technology into Football Finance

Miagen, an Irish financial technology and analytics company, helps organisations plan and manage complex operations with data-driven solutions. Its SportsGen platform brings that same expertise into football, giving clubs the tools to manage their finances, optimise revenues, and stay compliant with regulations in an increasingly challenging environment.

Football clubs today are more than just sporting teams, they are multi-million-dollar businesses. To succeed on and off the pitch, they need accurate forecasting and clear insight into risk. SportsGen addresses this need by bringing together data from across a club’s operations into a single, easy-to-use system. It integrates ticketing, broadcasting, merchandise, sponsorships, and player contracts, giving club leaders a real-time view of their financial position.

By replacing spreadsheets and fragmented reports, SportsGen allows executives to see current and projected performance at a glance. Decisions about transfers, budgets, or commercial deals are based on data rather than guesswork. At the same time, finance teams spend less time on manual reporting and more time focusing on strategy and long-term planning.

Smarter Decisions and Revenue Growth 

SportsGen also allows clubs to model different scenarios. Managers can simulate the financial impact of wage changes, major transfers, or different league outcomes. Each scenario shows how income and spending would change, helping clubs understand the consequences of their choices before committing. This predictive capability is vital for clubs operating under financial fair play and other sustainability rules.

The platform doesn’t just control costs, it helps clubs grow revenue. SportsGen analyses matchday attendance, ticket pricing, merchandise sales, and sponsorship performance to spot opportunities and underperforming areas. Clubs can adjust pricing, design promotions, and maximise income, all while keeping their financial model stable and transparent.

With SportsGen, clubs can also plan several seasons ahead. Executives can forecast future wage growth, transfer spending, and commercial income to ensure alignment with long-term goals. Linking financial outcomes to sporting objectives allows clubs to grow in a disciplined, sustainable way, reducing the risk of overspending or breaking league regulations.

Financial Discipline Made Simple

SportsGen is essential for compliance and risk management. Football governing bodies have tightened rules on profitability and spending, and clubs need clear insight to stay within those limits. The platform continuously tracks key ratios, such as wage-to-revenue and debt-to-income, and sends alerts when a club approaches risk thresholds. This helps managers take action before problems arise, supporting long-term stability and stronger governance.

The system is highly adaptable, working for clubs of all sizes. Larger clubs benefit from its ability to scale across complex, global operations, while smaller clubs gain accurate, reliable financial control. Miagen’s experience in industries like aviation and logistics ensures that the platform can manage complexity while maintaining speed, accuracy, and accountability.

The rise of platforms like SportsGen marks a new era in football management. Finance, analytics, and technology have become central to how clubs operate. With accurate data and real-time forecasting, decisions can align sporting ambitions with financial realities. Miagen helps clubs stay competitive both on the field and in their financial management.

Conclusion

SportsGen represents a major step forward in football finance. It gives clubs the tools to manage revenue, control costs, comply with regulations, and plan confidently for the future. By combining technology, analytics, and financial expertise, Miagen helps clubs replace guesswork with informed decisions, supporting sustainable growth and long-term stability in a complex, high-stakes industry.

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