The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has approved a new long-term roadmap designed to strengthen women's football across the country, with an ambitious target of registering 1,500 female footballers by the year 2030.
The strategy received approval from FAM member clubs during an extraordinary congress held at Meerumaa Hotel on Sunday. It outlines a series of initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for girls and women to participate in football while creating a clear development pathway from grassroots participation to the national team.
School Football to Drive Player Growth
A major focus of the roadmap is increasing participation through schools. Under FAM's Football for School programme, football activities will be integrated into physical education lessons, particularly in schools located across the atolls.
The initiative is expected to introduce more girls to the sport at a young age, making football more accessible within the education system and encouraging long-term participation.
Grassroots Festivals to Inspire Young Players
Alongside school-based programmes, FAM plans to organise regular women's football festivals throughout different atolls.
These festivals are intended to provide young girls with a fun and welcoming environment to experience football, helping spark interest in the sport while identifying promising young talent from communities across the Maldives.
New Inter-School Girls' Football Competitions
As part of the roadmap, FAM will launch inter-school football tournaments for girls for the first time.
The association believes these competitions will create a structured environment where schoolgirls can develop their technical abilities, gain valuable match experience and compete against players from other schools.
By introducing regular competitive football at the school level, FAM hopes to strengthen the foundation of the women's game and encourage more students to continue playing beyond their school years.
National Tournaments to Strengthen the Player Pathway
To ensure talented players continue progressing after grassroots and school competitions, FAM will also organise annual national-level tournaments featuring standout players from across the country.
According to the roadmap, these tournaments will serve as an important stepping stone, giving emerging players greater exposure while creating a sustainable pathway into football clubs and eventually the Maldives women's national team.
The long-term development model aims to connect every stage of a player's journey, from discovering football in school to representing the country at the highest level.
Long-Term Vision for Women's Football
FAM's roadmap reflects a broader commitment to expanding women's football in the Maldives through increased participation, structured competitions and player development opportunities.
By investing in schools, grassroots programmes and competitive tournaments, the association hopes to build a stronger pipeline of female footballers over the coming years and significantly increase the number of registered players by 2030.
