AFC to expand Asian Champions League and Women’s Asian Cup

The AFC

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have announced they will increase the number of teams in the AFC Champions League and AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

After an AFC executive committee meeting for the 2019-2023 cycle, it was decided further investment would be made in these two competitions.

Starting in 2021, the AFC Champions League will be expanded to include 40 teams in the continental competition. Eight more clubs will be included in the tournament, with four more sides added in both of the East and West zones.

The expansion will occur without any change to the existing slots for the best six Member Associations.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup will expand to 12 teams in 2022, up from the eight teams who participated in the tournament last year in Jordan. The AFC still have to decide who will host the 2022 tournament, with countries including Chinese Taipei, India and Uzbekistan all submitting proposals.

“As you know we have always looked to grow the women’s game in Asia with new initiatives and that has been rewarded by world champions in FIFA competitions at every level,” AFC Vice President Saoud Al Mohannadi told committee members.

“We were the first Confederation to have at least five women ExCo Members and one of the few to appoint a woman referee to men’s competitions in the AFC Cup.

“And one of our Executive Members, Kanya Keomany, will be the first female match commissioner to be appointed for a men’s club competition final – the AFC Cup final at the start of next month.

“The start of the new Commercial cycle, with our exclusive partners, DDMC Fortis, is the perfect time to launch this new era in Asian football. It will be an era of excellence and inclusiveness.”

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Australia’s Urban Sporting Landscape changing with smart surfaces

At the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC25) innovations in synthetic, natural, acrylic, and hybrid sports surfaces will be central in response to tackling pressing environmental and health concerns.

The convention is set to kick off on June 25-26, 2025 at Melbourne’s Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The event is dedicated to Sports Surfaces and it highlights it will showcase how cutting-edge surface technologies are revolutionising public spaces, creating durable, safe, inclusive and sustainable environments that get communities moving.

Some innovations on show include Polytan, which has unveiled eco-friendly long pile turf solutions engineered for intensive use whilst slashing environmental impact through sugar cane-based polymers rather than traditional petroleum derivatives.

Hybrid systems such as POWERgrass’s approach combine natural grass with synthetic reinforcement, delivering enhanced traction, comfort, and can withstand up to 30 hours of weekly play.

Meanwhile, acrylic surfaces versatility allows multiple sports to share the same surface with exceptional durability, making them perfect for pocket parks.

Despite their advantages, synthetic surfaces face scrutiny over environmental and health implications, particularly concerning microplastics and heat retention.

The NSW Chief Scientist’s comprehensive report identified critical knowledge gaps, sparking industry-wide moves toward alternative materials.

Martin Sheppard, Managing Director of Smart Connection Consultancy and author of the ‘Smart Guide to Synthetic Sports Fields,’ emphasises the importance of evidence-based decision making.

“These surfaces will address common perceptions and challenges associated with synthetic surfaces, providing evidence-based insights into player safety, environmental impacts, and surface playability,” Sheppard explained via National Sports and physical activity convention media release.

NSC25’s keynote presentation, ‘Designing Active Urban Places,’ will explore comprehensive strategies for future-proofing cities to promote healthy, active lifestyles.

The session features Kristen Clark from the Heart Foundation, who will unveil the fourth edition of the ‘Blueprint for an Active Australia,’ alongside Professor John Cairney from the University of Queensland, discussing movement-friendly urban design principles.

The convention’s PitchFEST session will showcase practical innovations including acrylic pocket parks, multi-sport surface designs and environmentally conscious long pile turf solutions.

These initiatives address a concerning reality: only 17 per cent of Australian youth currently meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

The focus on creating opportunities for youth recreation and unstructured play reflects growing recognition that accessible, well-designed sporting infrastructure plays a crucial role in community health outcomes.

Through collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders and community stakeholders Australia is becoming a world leader in building healthier, more active communities whilst maintaining environmental stewardship.

As urban density continues to reshape our cities, these surface innovations offer hope that every Australian can access quality sporting facilities, regardless of where they call home.

AI and Tech Transforming Australian Community Sport

Community sport across Australia is undergoing rapid change, driven by artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and emerging technologies.

These innovations are changing the way community and school sports operate, connect with people, and foster more inclusive, efficient, and vibrant sporting environments nationwide.

Martin Sheppard, CEO of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention, highlighted the magnitude of this change.

“We’re witnessing a game-changing moment where technology is not just supporting sport – it’s redefining it. From grassroots to schools, digital solutions are enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and more inclusive environments. At this year’s Convention, we’re bringing together the pioneers of this transformation to ensure every club, school, and community can benefit,” he said via press release.

As outlined by the ASTN, the sports technology sector in Australia is now a well-established industry worth $4.69 billion, featuring over 765 active businesses.

This development shows a strong national push to utilise innovation to solve problems, boost efficiency, and grow opportunities across community sport.

At the forefront of this transformation is the AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream at the 2025 National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC), set for June 25-26 in Melbourne.

Highlighting innovations from AI-driven analytics to mobile apps and immersive virtual tools, this stream will explore how technology is reshaping community sport.

Griffith University researchers in Queensland, collaborating with VALD from Brisbane, developed a rapid test that identifies high ACL injury risk in athletes within 10 minutes, supporting coaches to implement personalised prevention.

NSC’s AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream will highlight visionary ideas and key figures shaping sport’s future.

The Impact Keynote session, ‘Embracing Technology to Impact Sport’, will feature Dawid Naude, CEO of Pathfindr.ai, and Andrew Walton, Managing Director of Sports Tech World Series, discussing how AI and machine learning empower clubs to optimise their operations and enrich member engagement.

Afterwards, the ‘Embracing AI to Be More Inclusive’ panel will consider how commercial technologies from around the world are being applied to grassroots levels, featuring insights from Martin Schlegel (ASTN), Yasmin London (Qoria), and Brent Richardson (Enrichd Group).

To learn more about the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention and the AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream, click here.

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