JPL Attends the AFC Awards in Riyadh
The Junior Premier League (JPL) was honoured to attend the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Awards last night, which was held at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A Night Celebrating Football Excellence Across Asia
Global Chief Executive, Martin Brock, was accompanied by Richard Martin, Global Chief Operating Officer and Sarah Brock, Global Brand Manager, at the dazzling event, which was broadcast live on TV and brought decision makers together to celebrate the very best in the region, recognising excellence from the grassroots game to the very best players on the continent.
Alex Badolato, who plays for Australia’s U20s and Newcastle Jets, won AFC Youth Player of the Year on the boys side, while Choe Il Son of North Korea, was named the girls’ AFC Youth Player. Japan’s Hana Takahashi took home the AFC Women’s Player of the Year award, with Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al Dawsari named AFC Men’s Player of the Year. Other notable winners included Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), who won Men’s AFC Asian International Player of the Year and Maika Hamano (Chelsea FC), who won the women’s award. Timothy Fok Tsun Ting, who received the prestigious AFC Diamond of Asia honour.
Recognising JPL’s Growing Global Impact
JPL’s invitation to attend was in recognition of the organisation’s growing impact in the Middle East and Asia, where it continues to create meaningful pathways and opportunities for young players – both boys and girls – through its ever-growing network of leagues, tournaments and partnerships.
“It was an honour to be among so many of the people shaping the future of football across the region,” said Martin Brock. “The AFC Awards shine a light on excellence — from the players on the world stage to the federations and coaches developing the next generation. At JPL, our mission aligns closely with that spirit. We are committed to giving every young player the chance to dream big, to learn, and to grow through football. The energy and ambition we witnessed in Riyadh reaffirm our belief that this region will play a huge role in the future of the global game.”
A Shared Vision for Football’s Future
The evening also underscored the AFC’s dedication to raising standards across every level of the game — a vision JPL shares wholeheartedly. With expanding programmes in Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and China, JPL is proud to stand alongside partners and governing bodies who share its belief in the power of football to transform lives.
As JPL continues its international growth, its focus remains clear: to create the world’s most respected youth football platform, uniting opportunity, education, and excellence under one banner — for every player, everywhere.
