The first-of-its-kind project in West Asia, which aims to ensure children can enjoy their right to play football in a safe and inclusive environment, and prevent any risk of harm to children involved in the game, will allocate professional Child Safeguarding Officers (CSO) to 14 clubs to lead and expand their child protection efforts.

UAE Pro League Chairman Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi said: “We have been overwhelmed with the level of support that we have received from leading organisations such as FIFA, the AFC and UAE Ministry of Interior.”

The initiative is part of the UAE Pro League's commitment to promoting and protecting the safety and welfare of children, in line with FIFA's stated objective to ensure that involvement in Football, in any form, is a positive experience for all children.

The latest initiative exemplifies the ongoing efforts and commitment by the GFA towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic after contributing 300 isolation gowns in May this year.

GFA President Tino San Gil said: “I’m happy to receive the news that GMH received the Demistifier sets needed and that they can be put to use immediately. We’re still in this collective fight against the COVID-19 virus that continues to affect all of us in the community.

The two-week virtual pilot programme – the first-of-its-kind organised by AURORA and supported by the AFC Dream Asia Foundation – was designed to empower tomorrow’s generation through innovative and educational opportunities, to equip them with the skill sets to lead social change and to strengthen the foundations for them to encourage their peers to live more purposeful lives through football beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leading the way in Bhutan, the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has deployed 20 volunteers from various departments, including technical coaches, competitions, media and marketing and administrative workers, to lend their support in the noble cause.

Launched by Jordan-based youth development organisation, Aurora and supported by the AFC Dream Asia Foundation, the eighth and ninth days of the programme comprised sessions focusing on Peer Education and Youth-Led Social Change in the Middle East.

Former Saudi Arabia national team player and Al Hilal SFC’s captain, Mohammad Al-Shalhoub also joined the 10-day virtual pilot project to inspire the young players by sharing his best moments in his outstanding career as well as the challenges faced by footballers.

Held in conjunction with the ongoing AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019, the objective of the seminar was to expand the reach of the new FIFA Child Safeguarding Programme and Toolkit – FIFA Guardians - a major initiative launched by the world governing body in July this year aimed at assisting Member Associations and Confederations around the world to introduce stronger child safeguarding measures in football.