The latest news reveals that AFC Grassroots Football and Youth Football Department member Masahiro Komiyama, together with AFC Grassroots Football Expert Committee representatives Andres and Masao Nakayama, have formed a delegation to conduct a field research on China's grassroots soccer from April 19th to 22nd. During the trip, they had an in-depth conversation with CFA President Song Kai, Vice President and Secretary General Yuan Yongqing and Vice President Xu Kiren.
The delegation listened to the report of our Social Football Department on the current situation and planning of grassroots soccer development, and observed on-site the fierce competition of the Amateur Football Premier League and the China Youth Football League (Tianjin Region) at all age groups in Tianjin. In addition, they attended training courses for coaches and referees and listened to a detailed report on the development of grassroots soccer by the Tianjin Football Association.
Upon arrival in Beijing, the delegation visited the U11 girls' soccer training and first aid skills training for coaches, and exchanged views with the leaders of the Beijing Football Association. They then went to the Love Kick Youth Football Club (Guomao Campus) to observe youth training and matches. That night, at the Workers' Stadium, they witnessed an exciting match between Beijing Guoan and Qingdao West Coast, and left deep memories of the grassroots soccer promotion and youth soccer activities on the field.
The delegation also went to the China Disabled Person's Sports Management Center to attend the opening ceremony of the 8th Disabled Person's Folk Football Competition to gain a deeper understanding of the participation of special groups in the field of soccer in China.
On the afternoon of April 22, the AFC delegation held an inspection summary exchange meeting with the CFA, comprehensively reviewing the four-day inspection journey. They highly appreciated the efforts and achievements of the CFA and all parties in the field of grassroots soccer. In recent years, the Chinese government's emphasis on soccer, the smooth operation of the association system, the professional organizers as well as the training of coaches and referees have all been recognized by the AFC. At the same time, the delegation also gave constructive advice to the CFA on issues such as elite selection, stadium safety and the number of registered players.
Masahiro Kashiyama summed up by saying, "Seeing so many Chinese youths laughing on the green field, I firmly believe that Chinese soccer will usher in a glorious tomorrow!"
The purpose of the visit is to assess the qualifications of the CFA to bid for the gold-level membership of the AFC Grassroots Football Charter. AFC is expected to complete the evaluation in May this year. Currently, the CFA is already a silver-level member of the AFC Grassroots Football Charter.
