Participants of the coaching and refereeing courses with the guests during the opening ceremony of AFC U-14 Festival of Football in Tehran

TEHRAN:  Iran Football Federation President Ali Kafashian has pledged the full support of his federation to the AFC U-14 Festival of Football for the South Asian region, which got underway here on Saturday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kafashian described the festival as a crucial part of the AFC’s plans for improving football in Asia.

“We must make the most of the investment which the AFC is making here and I would like to extend the full support of the federation to the developmental activities,” said the Iran FF chief.

AFC Grassroots and Youth Department’s Acting Director John Whittle said: “This is a place where we can share knowledge and experience, and where we can extend friendships.

“We are hopeful that this festival will be of huge benefit for all the participants.”

AFC’s eight member associations - hosts Iran, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka,Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal – are taking part in this festival.

As well as improving playing skills, there will also be workshops for referees and coaches, although the main aim of the festival is enjoyment and fostering friendship.

After the opening ceremony, a refereeing workshop involving 24 aspiring referees began under the guidance of veteran Thai official Pirom Um-Prasert and local AFC Refereeing Instructor Masoud Enayat.

The young referees were taught how to sharpen skills like interpretation of the rules.

At the same time, a workshop for ambitious young coaches has been conducted by Morteza Mohases, who said, “At this festival we’re teaching the coaches to show players how to create space, as well as educating them in how to coach calmly.”