The festivals put smiles on 1,580 students which included 80% participation from girls in the various football activities designed by the PFA.

Students from the schools of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and Palestine Ministry of Education (MoE) were divided into different classes for football games, training stations and matches.

Organised by the PFA Grassroots Department, the Grassroots Coach Volunteer of the Year award recognises the efforts of volunteers for growing the grassroots game and for developing football in accordance with 10 Criteria which include enthusiasm, responsiveness to players, children’s services, physical and emotional education, patience, interpretation of the Laws of the Game, sportsmanship, time management, relationship with players as well as the feedback from parents.

More than 1,500 players from the ages of four to 17, participated in the informative online lessons that consisted of various topics such as warm-up/cool-down activities, football exercises, physical drills and mini lectures of football related knowledge.

Jerry, a participant from the Boy’s programme, said: “It was helpful to follow the coaches and do some exercises by attending the online training classes organised by the HKFA. Despite not being able to play football with my teammates on the pitch, we could still see each other and learn through the online platform.”

SFA remains committed in developing grassroots football and the course, which benefitted 112 men and women trainers, is an important element in their process of applying for the AFC Grassroots Charter later this year.

AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh opended the meeting by emphasising on the mission of the Grassroots Panel: “With the aim to increase the participation of grassroots, provide social inclusion, inspire young people as well as foster an interest in the sport, the AFC Grassroots Panel is committed to promote football at all levels regardless of their abilities and provide people with opportunities to play in a safe and enjoyable environment.”

A total of 14 panel members discussed the current situation of grassroots development in their countries before deliberating on key issues of the AFC Grassroots Charter and the challenges faced.

More than 7,900 boys and girls from diverse provinces of 12 states participated in the celebration which comprised interactive webinars, online games, online training sessions, social media quizzes, drawing competitions and other creative activities.