As a reward for its unwavering dedication towards Grassroots Development – the buzzword for Indian football to scale new heights – the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was awarded with the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) President Recognition Award for Grassroots at the AFC Annual Awards 2014 in Manila.

Along with Philippines and Tajikistan, India were also acknowledged for their efforts in Grassroots Development. The nominations were measured on the basis of points system such as the structure, management and philosophy of the country’s Grassroots programme.

AIFF President Praful Patel, who received the award, was elated at the recognition.

“I am particularly delighted that we got the award for grassroots development programme because in our estimation if India’s football has to develop in the coming years it has to do so with grassroots programme which we have now started,” Patel told www.goal.com.

India for the record were second in the AFC Grassroots MA of the Year Award last year behind winners Japan after being nominated along with Vietnam for the prestigious recognition. Apart from that AIFF had also signed an agreement under Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) with Football Federation of Australia (FFA) to support Grassroots Programme.

AIFF’s Grassroots programme is designed for kids between 6-12 years of age through a comprehensive Grassroots Strategic Development Plan (designed under the Lakshya Master Plan), and is currently running in a number of states across the country, where children are given the opportunity to participate and enjoy the game of football through small sided games and age specific activities under the guidance of trained Grassroots leaders.

The AIFF Grassroots Programme aims to work with all key stakeholders in Football to bring the more number of kids into the football fold in a safe, positive and fun environment.

Parent and volunteers too are involved on a regular basis in Grassroots activities.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)