A three-month curriculum designed for leaders of the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and other football stakeholders, the ACSP aims to equip everyone with the necessary strategic planning skills, processes and tools to meet the growing standards, expectations and needs of their respective organisations and the ever-evolving football ecosystem.

The fully-online initiative, which features all-inclusive modules delivered by professionals with decades-long experience, joins the ranks of the acclaimed AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding programmes, among others, as part of the AFC’s drive to continuously enhance the capabilities of the Continent’s football leaders.

Some of the key topics that will be covered include: Understanding strategic planning theory, designing and managing strategic plans, identifying success factors, using strategic planning tools, and resource allocation and budgeting.

ACSP resources, which include pre-recorded video lectures, interactive modules and reading materials, are accessible through an online learning platform. This not only offers ease of access, but also gives participants the flexibility to follow the programme at their own pace. 

All these comprehensive components are delivered via strategic planning theory, practical examples and hands-on activities. To meet organisational goals, the ACSP emphasises the importance of the planning process over the document itself, ensuring clarity, focus and continuous refinement to adapt to changing circumstances.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “The ACSP builds on the success of our previous programmes, and similar to the other solutions under our Academic Centre of Excellence, empowers Asian football administrators through purposeful and transformative education.

“It looks to provide participants requisite knowledge that will prove extremely beneficial in not only delivering and managing strategic plans that align with the goals and vision of their respective organisations, but to also further uplift Asian football.

“A strong strategic plan acts as a roadmap that translates vision into actionable steps, aligns teams and demonstrates ambition and capability to stakeholders. Through the ACSP, the AFC aims to transform strategic planning into a cultural practice that permeates every organisational level and fosters a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities.”

Upon completion, graduates will be able to elevate both individual and organisational strategic planning competencies, drive continuous growth and improvement, and contribute significantly to the long-term success of their organisations via detailed, accomplished strategies.

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