Now equipped with the requisite perspective, processes and tools that define exemplary leaders, these graduates will set their sights on using their new capabilities to complement their respective organisations’ drive to move world football forward.

The six-month online ACFL primarily hosted decision-makers from AFC Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and the global football community. It aims to nurture future leaders of Asian football and beyond by equipping participants with leadership knowledge, informing them on the ways in which to leverage opportunities and organise resources for improved efficiency as well as motivate and guide their organisations in realising their mission statements.

“The ACFL has been such a transformative online learning journey,” said Takashi Komiyama from the Japan Football Association (JFA). “Anyone interested in challenging themselves, thinking outside the leadership box and creating a tangible impact to advance Asian football should sit for this programme, which I recommend as crucial to unlocking the true potential of any aspiring football leader.”

Nguyen Thanh Ha from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) said: “Football management continues to move with the times, and the ACFL keeps up with all its new developments and more. This has been an invaluable course, not only because I’ve gained new professional knowledge and insights, but also because it helped me appreciate the finer nuances of football leadership.”

AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, in congratulating the graduates, said: “I hope the ACFL has proved a game-changing programme for all our participants, given that it aligns with the AFC’s Vision and Mission to further strengthen our MAs, RAs and Asian football stakeholders via dedicated, bespoke solutions that look to further enhance the game, both on and off the pitch.

“ACFL graduates are expected to have a full grasp of fundamental leadership concepts and theories that can help move their organisations in the right direction. I look forward to our graduates utilising and applying their new skillsets to make judicious decisions that align with the ever-evolving standards and needs of Asian football.”

The ACFL blends theoretical sessions, hands-on projects, case studies and examples delivered over six modules designed exclusively by the AFC to promote the development of the Continent’s future football leaders.

These modules comprise the Principles of Leadership, Influence and Impact through Communication, Organisational Design and Development in Football, Environmental, Social and Governance in Football, A Leader’s Perspective of Football Development & Performance and Managing Projects in Football.

The ACFL represents a diverse and vibrant ensuite of educational offerings from the groundbreaking AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), and comes on the heels of the highly-acclaimed AFC Football Management Certificate, the AFC Football Management Diploma, the AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management as well as the newly launched AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning.

For more details on the ACFL, please visit www.afcacademy.com