Kuala lumpur: The 4th AFC Grassroots Football Conference commenced on Tuesday in the presence of leaders from across Asia to discuss the next phase of football development on the continent.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Conference is taking place under the theme "Grassroots Football in Asia: The Next Chapter." It opened with the AFC Special Awards, which honoured unsung heroes who have made exceptional contributions to both grassroots and elite youth football development in Asia.

Over the course of the three-day event, participants from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)'s Member Associations (MAs) will have the opportunity to hear from experts from around the world. This includes representatives from FIFA and UEFA, who will share insights on advancing participation, inclusion, and sustainability in grassroots football.

Among the highlights of the opening day was AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh's keynote address. Roxburgh outlined emerging global trends and discussed the anticipated direction of grassroots football development in Asia.

The upcoming days will feature a series of informative and interactive sessions. These will offer insights into global best practices, coaching in grassroots football, and discussions on the key challenges and opportunities faced by the Confederation's MAs.