Football Association of Maldives will select up to six clubs, academies and schools for the 2026 pilot phase, offering technical guidance, equipment and coach development support to expand girls’ participation in football.
The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has outlined the affiliation criteria for its Learn Together, FAM Girls Academy Program, a pilot initiative aimed at increasing girls’ participation in football and establishing a sustainable pathway from grassroots football to elite and national team levels.
The program is designed to give girls across the Maldives the opportunity to play football in a safe, enjoyable, inclusive and structured environment, regardless of their background, location or previous experience of the sport.
During the 2026 pilot phase, FAM plans to affiliate with up to six selected partners from registered football clubs, football academies and schools recognised by the relevant authorities. The selected institutions will deliver the program in partnership with FAM, which will provide technical guidance, equipment, coach education opportunities and regular monitoring to support the quality and sustainability of activities.
According to the affiliation criteria, applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to girls’ football development and agree to deliver the program throughout the approved affiliation period. Partners are also expected to promote inclusion, equal opportunity and participation while maintaining a positive football environment for girls.
Each participating organisation must register a minimum of 20 girls and provide two training sessions and one Match Day per week. Match Day activities may begin from the second month of the program. Players must be organised into appropriate age and development groups: Under-6, Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16. Partners must also maintain accurate player registration and attendance records.
The program places emphasis on coaching standards and long-term player development. Each partner must appoint a dedicated program head or coordinator responsible for overseeing implementation and have at least one coach holding a minimum AFC/FAM C Coaching Certificate, or an equivalent qualification recognised by FAM.
Applicants must also have an established player development program lasting at least two years. Training sessions and Match Day activities must follow FAM’s technical guidelines, while relevant coaches will be expected to participate in technical workshops, coach education and development activities when required by the association.
Facilities and equipment will also form part of the affiliation assessment. Applicants must have regular access to a suitable and safe training and playing area that meets the needs of the age groups and number of participating players. Organisations receiving equipment from FAM must use, maintain and account for it properly, with the equipment primarily reserved for activities under the Learn Together program.
Safeguarding and player welfare are central requirements. All affiliated partners must comply with the FAM Safeguarding Policy and other program safeguarding requirements, appoint a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), and ensure coaches, staff and volunteers complete the safeguarding requirements set by FAM. The program is intended to provide a safe, inclusive and child-friendly environment for every participant.
Partners will also be responsible for registering players as required by FAM, maintaining attendance and activity records, submitting reports and supporting documentation within the association’s deadlines, and cooperating with technical, operational and safeguarding monitoring visits. They must provide any additional information required by FAM for monitoring and evaluation.
To help selected organisations deliver the program, FAM will provide technical and equipment support, subject to program requirements and availability. This will include playing jerseys for participating girls, training bibs, footballs suitable for the relevant age groups, and training equipment such as cones, markers and other essential items.
The association will additionally offer technical guidance, coach education and development opportunities, safeguarding support, and regular monitoring and technical assistance throughout the approved affiliation period.
Applications will be assessed on compliance with the affiliation criteria, experience in player development, technical and operational capacity, coaching structure, safeguarding readiness, facilities and resources, commitment to girls’ football, and the ability to sustain the program.
FAM has emphasised that meeting the minimum criteria does not automatically guarantee selection. The final decision will take into account the overall quality of applications, the objectives of the program, available resources and the specific requirements of the pilot phase.
Successful applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FAM, formalising their roles and responsibilities, technical and safeguarding standards, monitoring and reporting procedures, and equipment support and branding guidelines. They will then be recognised as official Learn Together – FAM Girls Academy Program Partners for the approved affiliation period. Continued affiliation will depend on satisfactory delivery, compliance with FAM requirements, timely reporting, and the outcomes of monitoring and evaluation.
The program’s vision is to make football the most accessible and popular sport for girls in the Maldives while creating a sustainable pathway from grassroots participation to elite football. Its mission is to empower girls through safe, inclusive, enjoyable and high-quality football experiences that help develop confidence, leadership, teamwork and lifelong participation in sport.
FAM’s strategic objectives include increasing girls’ participation nationwide, providing free and accessible football opportunities, developing technical, physical and social skills, establishing pathways to youth and senior national teams, and strengthening girls’ football through schools, academies and clubs. The initiative will also seek to identify and develop talented players through scouting while encouraging girls to remain involved in football throughout their lives.
The pilot phase will be continuously evaluated based on participation levels, program quality and overall impact. FAM intends to use the results and lessons learned to progressively increase the number of affiliated partners and expand the initiative to more islands and atolls.
In the long term, the association aims to establish a nationwide girls’ football network that supports development from grassroots participation through to elite and national team football.
