Abu Dhabi: The biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup will excite and enthuse hundreds of millions of passionate fans across the globe and the build-up to the continental showpiece, which will kick-off in a few hours, has also served as a catalyst to promote social development and empower communities across the United Arab Emirates and throughout Asia. 



The AFC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have organised several milestone campaigns over the past month to leverage on Asia’s crown jewel as a platform for social good, culminating with an invitation to the players from the Wild Boars Football Academy who have been given a rare chance to catch their Thai heroes in action when they take on India on Sunday.



The UAE’s women national team joined the AFC’s ‘It’s My Game’ campaign, which travelled across four cities in the UAE, to conduct coaching and interacting with girls of all ages in football discussions, which focused on the diverse roles available in the sport.

The UAE’s largest-ever schools’ programme reached more than 75,000 children and young people as it delivered an educational programme in football challenges and introduced them to the cultures of the 24 participating Asian nations.

Football fans of all ages were also presented with opportunities to test their skill as more than 1,200 amateurs competed in the Community Tournaments while Interactive Roadshows in the UAE offered visitors the chance to take on the crossbar challenge and take part in shooting accuracy drills.


AFC Its My Game UAE 2019

A diverse group of more than 600 ambassadors joined the Playmakers programme which received overwhelming interest and support from UAE-based embassies, businesses and individuals committed to help raise awareness of the tournaments news and events in their communities.

Corporate partners also played their part, coming together in the Patrons Programme by donating matchday tickets in a goodwill gesture for children, young people and to those would not have the opportunity to attend the live matches throughout the 28-day tournament.


Source: the-afc.com