VA boost to Hamedan football

AFC – HAMEDAN, Newly-appointed Vision Iran-Project Hamedan Coordinator Mohammad Ali Zarabian feels that introduction of Vision Asia in this Iranian province will give further boost to football development.

The Hamedan province will definitely see more improvements in all vital aspects of its football, apart from covering new grounds.

“The current level of football in Hamedan are high in the areas that Vision Asia has focused on, but we need improvements in the areas that the Vision Asia Strategic Development Plan has not yet been implemented,” said Zarabian, who is also Hamedan FA International Affairs Committee Chairman.

Several factors have contributed to the growth of football in the province so far.

“Membership in the AFC Vision Asia, having a team in the Premier League, attentive management and experienced staff are some of the strengths of football in Hamedan,” he said.

However, Zarabian thinks there are weaknesses that need to be addressed.

“And the weaknesses, although not very significant, include not receiving enough national coverage by the media and poor public relations on a large scale.”

Zarabian thinks more steps have to be taken to raise the standards of football further.

“For raising the standards of football in Hamedan, more classes and conferences should be organised to familiarise the people with AFC and FIFA laws and regulations.

“To raise its popularity, we need more advertisements in the surrounding areas of Hamedan City and have to establish more Football Schools,” Zarabian said.

Zarabian also thinks that AFC Vision Asia can help Hamedan in football development in the short term and long term.

“In the short term, I think AFC Vision Asia can provide the VA Projects with educational materials and information through mail or on the Internet.

“In the long term, conferences and workshops can be organised where AFC officers can make effective presentations as they have done successfully in the past,” he said.

“I personally see the future of Vision Hamedan as very bright with positive trends in all vital areas of football as well as covering newer grounds,” concluded Zarabian.

Vision Asia is AFC’s plan to raise the standard of football across the continent at all levels.

The programme takes in 11 elements of football development, including administration, coaching, refereeing, clubs and competitions.