UAEFA wins AFC Gold for Grassroots Football Excellence

The United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) has achieved a major milestone after winning the AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football – Gold Category at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025, held at the King Fahd Cultural Centre in Riyadh. The ceremony, sponsored by NEOM, celebrated the top national associations driving football development across Asia.

The UAEFA stood out for its remarkable success in strengthening football’s grassroots structure and promoting the sport among young players of all backgrounds. Over the past year, the association launched a series of community tournaments, open leagues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and age-group festivals for players under 7, 8, and 9 years old across the Emirates.

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These wide-ranging efforts brought together nearly 28,600 young players from 83 nationalities, reflecting the UAE’s diverse sporting community. Activities were organised across 65 locations nationwide, supported by major partners including the UAE Pro League, Dubai Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Beyond expanding participation, the UAEFA also emphasised social responsibility, focusing on creating a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment for children to learn and play. The association continues to invest in infrastructure and training facilities, ensuring that football remains the most accessible and popular sport in the country.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malaysia and the Bangladesh Football Federation were honoured with the Silver and Bronze awards respectively, recognising their growing contributions to the grassroots game.

With this recognition, the UAE further cements its position as a regional leader in sports development, inspiring a new generation of young footballers to dream, play, and grow.