SAFF hosted its highly impactful Competition Safeguarding Seminar 2024 on November 19-20 at the NH Collection Colombo. Designed to enhance safeguarding practices across South Asian football, the seminar brought together safeguarding officers and representatives from all seven member associations, alongside FIFA and AFC experts.
The two-day event included sessions on developing, reviewing, and implementing safeguarding protocols, ensuring participants were equipped with the tools and knowledge to create safer environments in football competitions. Highlights of the seminar included:
Day 1 included Workshops led by Octavian Bivolaru, FIFA’s Senior Manager Special Projects & Case Liaison, and Fatima Esha, SAFF Safeguarding Officer, focused on crafting comprehensive safeguarding protocols and methods for their continuous improvement.
While Day 2 had a focus on Practical implementation at a local stadium demonstrated routine safeguarding checks, scenario-based training for responding to incidents, and interactive sessions on safeguarding practices tailored for players.
The seminar concluded with a certificate ceremony and closing remarks by esteemed speakers, including Octavian Bivolaru (FIFA), Victoria Koh (AFC Safeguarding Manager), Neil Sta Maria (AFC Social Responsibility Manager), and Asif Ansar (Deputy General Secretary of FFSL). Tokens of appreciation were presented to FIFA, AFC, and FFSL for their contributions to advancing safeguarding efforts in the region.
A special moment marked the soft launch of SAFF’s Dream Asia “Kick Off” initiative, aimed at promoting inclusivity and safeguarding in South Asian football. The exclusive screening of this project underscored SAFF’s ongoing commitment to fostering safe and inclusive football environments.
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