Concacaf Hosts Youth Summit to Strengthen Pathways to Excellence for Young Footballers
Concacaf successfully hosted the fourth edition of the Concacaf Youth Football Summit from August 6–8, 2025, in Curaçao, bringing together technical leaders, coaches, and youth development stakeholders from across the region and the international football scene.
Guided by the theme “Bridging Potential and Performance: Pathways to Excellence,” the summit focused on strengthening the development structures that shape the next generation of youth elite footballers. Over the course of three days, participants explored global best practices and regional strategies for building high-performance environments, improving talent identification, and expanding access to football—particularly for girls and young women.
The summit welcomed representatives from all 41 Concacaf Member Associations, along with development experts from FIFA, UEFA, and football associations across Europe, including England (The Football Association), Germany (German Football Association), Belgium (Royal Belgian Football Association), and the Netherlands (Dutch Football Association). Sessions included presentations, workshops, and panel discussions on tournament preparation, youth academy development, mental readiness, and coaching standards.
“The Youth Football Summit continues to serve as a key platform for sharing ideas and aligning regional efforts with international best practices,” said Jason Roberts, Concacaf Chief Football Development Officer. “We are especially proud of the depth and diversity of expertise brought together in Curaçao this year.”
Coinciding with International Youth Day (August 12), the summit also reinforced the role of football as a catalyst for youth empowerment, education, and opportunity. Dedicated programming focused on increasing participation for girls, boosting coaching standards in the women’s game, and establishing leadership pathways for women throughout the sport.
“Our work in youth development is about more than performance. It’s about giving young people the structure, support, and opportunity to thrive in every aspect of their football journey,” added Roberts.
Concacaf’s commitment to youth development continues through ongoing programs such as the Concacaf Grassroots Charter, Coach Education Programs, Bigger Game initiatives, and strategic partnerships that help Member Associations elevate their development ecosystems.
