In line with the AFC’s Vision and Mission, the three new categories were established to recognise the dedication and ever-growing efforts of the AFC Member Associations to use the power of football to inspire hope and strengthen social development in their respective countries.

The 2018 edition was made more significant with the newly-introduced prize money, which will see each Member Association rewarded with USD $15,000 for future Social Responsibility causes.

AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said: “Football continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for people of all backgrounds. We are pleased by the commitment of our Member Associations in sharing the AFC’s mission to harness on the power of football to bring about positive change.

“Through these new recognition categories, we are bringing social responsibility to the forefront of the agenda and I am confident we will strengthen the foundations for all our Members to educate, empower and enrich those in need.”

Chinese Football Association – Inspiring

The CFA’s dedication to include social responsibility as part of its mission was further underlined with the introduction of an impressive 17 programmes and initiatives across the country.

Among the projects was the CFA-AFC ‘Dream China’ Beijing Social Responsibility programme which is the main pillar for social development in Chinese football. The landmark programme brought together communities of various backgrounds through close partnerships with local clubs, local and international NGOs and government agencies.

The CFA donated equipment worth 50,000 RMB to the China Administration of Sports for people with Disabilities in Beijing while their SR partners contributed training kits and equipments for the participating children.

Other initiatives include the China Ping-An and Football Public Welfare Programme, several football development projects in the country’s minority areas as well as the CFA - China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, which donated 1.8 million yuan to China Soong Ching Ling Foundation for the construction of small stadiums in the country’s remote and poverty-stricken communities.

Football Association of Malaysia – Developing

FAM partnered this year’s Corporate category winners, Zurich Malaysia and the WVM Foundation, to introduce One Goal Malaysia’s 'Eat Right to Play Right' (ERTPR) programme, which continues to empower thousands of children from rural areas with the opportunity to learn under the expert guidance of One Goal certified coaches. The programme has provided a platform to raise awareness of healthy activity and nutrition through football.

Among other programmes realised through the ERTPR campaign include the Baseline Health Check project, Community Coach Training and Football and Nutrition Carnival, which have reached over thousands of children across the country.

Mongolian Football Federation – Aspiring

MFF’s efforts to shape its policy and include social responsibility to its four-year MA strategic plan sets itself apart from other MAs. The MFF organised football activities for over 400 people with disabilities and engaged over 200 women and children from low-income families.

The MFF also organised a two-day seminar, themed ‘Empowering Women Through Football’, which attracted 100 women coaches, high school sports teachers, representatives from local NGOs, national U-17 girls’ team as well as government representatives.

The Federation is also committed to empower and grow the country’s pool of Cerebral Palsy (CP) footballers through various coach education workshops, festivals and CP football competitions.

(edit：李鑫)