The Tajikistan Football Federation (TFF) has strategically utilized the FIFA Forward program, receiving a total funding of $11.4mn during the 2016-2022 period, to emphasize and fortify a structured pathway for player development, extending from grassroots to elite levels. A pivotal component of this approach has been the establishment of the Tajikistan Football Federation Academy in June 2016.
Operational within FC Istiklol, a premier Tajikistan club, the FFT Academy serves as a hub for nurturing young talents nationwide. Supported by FIFA Forward Grants 1.0 and 2.0, the academy's teams actively participate in national youth leagues and cups, with FIFA allocating over $900,000 to cover operational, match, and travel costs, ensuring a sustainable player development cycle.
FIFA Forward's backing has enabled the creation of Tajikistan's first national competitions for U-15 and U-17 age groups, played in a home-and-away format. These competitions not only offer consistent match schedules but also address geographical constraints by covering travel and refereeing expenses, providing young players with unprecedented opportunities to compete and showcase their skills.
FIFA Forward 3.0
As Tajikistan looks ahead to FIFA Forward 3.0, the nation anticipates a 29% increase in development funds over the next four years. Recognizing Tajik football's commitment to structured development, FIFA Regional Director for NFA Asia and Oceania, Sanjeevan Balasingam, commended the foresight shown by the TFF in utilizing FIFA Forward support to create a holistic football development system.
The dividends of FIFA Forward investment are already apparent, with FFT Academy graduate Sodikjon Kurbonov representing the Tajikistan national team at the 2023 Asian Cup. These success stories underscore the program's impact on fostering top-tier talent and elevating the nation's standing in international football.
The collaborative efforts between FIFA Forward and the Tajikistan Football Federation have laid the groundwork for a comprehensive football development system, spanning grassroots initiatives to elite competitions. As Tajik football continues to flourish, FIFA Forward remains committed to supporting the nation's aspirations for excellence on the global stage.
"The construction of the FTF National Technical Center in the Varzob region is another important initiative of the federation, funded under the FIFA Forward program. One hybrid and one artificial pitch have already been delivered by the contractor, and the construction of accommodation for 100 players is nearing completion. The center will become the new home for the adult and youth teams of Tajikistan - both men's and women's. We are already discussing with the FTF further steps to develop this facility to ensure that players have a comfortable and inspiring environment for a harmonious training process" concludes Sanjeevan Balasingam.
Notably, Tajikistan's national football team reached the quarter-finals in the Asian Cup and lost to Jordan with a count of 0:1 on February 2. This was the first time Tajikistan's team qualified for the Asian Cup.
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