The Asian Football Confederation's Vision Iran project is set to take a big leap forward with the launch of provincial leagues in Isfahan and Fars on 10 and 11 August respectively. Top AFC officials including General Secretary Dato Paul Mony Samuel and Vision Asia Acting Director Brendan Menton will attend the launch ceremony. The Isfahan Provincial League comprises 12 clubs and will kick off a day before the Fars Provincial League, which features 14 clubs, gets underway at the Takhti Stadium. Two rounds will be played in both the leagues on the basis of Club Regulations provided by Vision Asia. The criteria to be used for this purpose are the club’s administration, legal, finance, facilities, community links and sporting development capabilities of the clubs.
The leagues are expected to provide a high level of competitive football for the clubs in Isfahan and Fars. The format of the competition is home-and-away and the clubs have to employ coaches holding at least an AFC ‘C’ certificate. “These two leagues will create opportunities for football players in Isfahan and Fars to play at a higher standard,” said Menton, as quoted by Persian Football. “Iran is full of football talent and I am sure concentrating on the Vision Iran program will provide a higher platform for players, clubs, coaches, referees and officials to be successful.” To help the grassroots and youth segment, an U-11 Schools Leagues will be launched in October this year. Prior to this, AFC will organise a grassroots and youth workshop, introductory coaching and Class 3 refereeing courses.
The leagues are expected to provide a high level of competitive football for the clubs in Isfahan and Fars. The format of the competition is home-and-away and the clubs have to employ coaches holding at least an AFC ‘C’ certificate. “These two leagues will create opportunities for football players in Isfahan and Fars to play at a higher standard,” said Menton, as quoted by Persian Football. “Iran is full of football talent and I am sure concentrating on the Vision Iran program will provide a higher platform for players, clubs, coaches, referees and officials to be successful.” To help the grassroots and youth segment, an U-11 Schools Leagues will be launched in October this year. Prior to this, AFC will organise a grassroots and youth workshop, introductory coaching and Class 3 refereeing courses.