In a significant step toward nurturing football at its grassroots level, the Albanian Football Association hosted the UEFA Grassroots Panel in Tirana, Albania this week. The panel, comprising football development leaders and experts from several UEFA member associations, convened to discuss key topics.
The agenda included consultation and discussions on various critical areas:
– Upcoming Grassroots Conference: The panel explored potential topics for the upcoming Grassroots Conference scheduled for spring 2025, where grassroots managers of all 55 member associations would gather for a three day workshop.
-Grassroots Charter Implementation: It was explained how the charter was anchored in the new UEFA strategy (United by success) and how the national associations were supported to developing national grassroots plans.
-Self-Evaluation Process: The panel reviewed the first edition of the grassroots self-evaluation visits and discussed how the process and value for national associations could be improved.
-UEFA Share Seminars: The topics, content and process for grassroots seminars in the upcoming new cycle (2024-26) of UEFA’s educational programme for national association technical staff were presented and approved by the panel.
As the panel continues its work, the impact on football’s foundation promises to be lasting, ensuring that the beautiful game remains accessible to all. The panel would meet again in December.
