AFC–UEFA Women’s Football Programme – Clubs Workshop: Advancing Professionalism and Sustainable Growth
On the morning of 27 June, at the headquarters of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the AFC–UEFA Women’s Football Programme – Clubs Workshop was held with the participation of representatives from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), UEFA, the VFF, and women’s football clubs across Vietnam. The workshop focused on identifying practical measures to enhance the quality of the National Women’s Championship, strengthen club governance and management capacity, and support the long-term professionalisation and sustainable development of women’s football in Vietnam.
Working Together to Develop the National Women’s Championship
The workshop was attended by VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú; Đỗ Văn Nhật, VFF Executive Committee Member and Head of the VFF Women’s Football Committee; Nguyễn Thanh Hà, VFF Deputy General Secretary and Head of the AFC–UEFA Women’s Football Development Project in Vietnam; Phạm Ngọc Viễn, Head of the VFF Club Licensing Department; Phạm Hải Anh and Đào Huy Hùng, members of the VFF Women’s Football Committee; Lowri Robert, UEFA representative; Amir Assokan Bin Abdullah, Head of Special Projects at the AFC; as well as representatives from women’s football clubs, VFF departments, and the Women’s Football Development Project team.
In his opening remarks, VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú emphasized that the support and cooperation of the AFC and UEFA play a significant role in the long-term development strategy for women’s football in Vietnam.
He expressed his sincere appreciation to both confederations for their support in implementing the AFC–UEFA Women’s Football Development Project 2024–2027, and noted that the VFF is introducing a range of initiatives to enhance the quality of domestic women’s competitions. These include restructuring the National Women’s Championship into a league-format competition and introducing the women’s club licensing system from 2026 onwards.
Representing UEFA, Lowri Robert explained that UEFA is working closely with the VFF to implement three key priorities: developing a national strategy for women’s football, strengthening girls’ youth football, and enhancing the quality of the National Women’s Championship. According to her, the long-term objectives are to increase the number of girls participating in football, build a sustainable player pathway for the national teams, and enhance the commercial value of the league to attract greater investment and broader support.
Enhancing Club Governance and Brand Value
During her technical presentation, Lowri Robert highlighted the importance of establishing a clear development vision, strengthening club governance, and creating effective player pathways from youth teams to the senior squad. In addition to improving on-field performance, she stressed that clubs should invest in player welfare, expand their communications and commercial activities, and build strong club brands in order to increase the appeal and long-term value of the National Women’s Championship.
Representing the AFC, Amir Assokan Bin Abdullah noted that women’s football in Vietnam still has significant potential for further growth. He emphasized that the gradual professionalisation of the National Women’s Championship is an inevitable step in the sport’s development.
He encouraged clubs to make full use of the support provided through AFC and UEFA programmes to strengthen their organisational structures, expand their fan base, attract commercial partners and sponsors, and create better conditions for the long-term development of their teams.
In his closing remarks, VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú expressed his hope that the participating clubs would effectively apply the knowledge and practical insights shared during the workshop to enhance their operations and management.
He emphasized that the collective efforts of all stakeholders will contribute to building an increasingly professional, attractive, and sustainable National Women’s Championship, providing a stronger foundation for the continued growth and success of women’s football in Vietnam.
