Project Tashkent is one of two provincial programmes under Vision Uzbekistan, the other one being Bukhara.

At the opening ceremony on Friday, Menton said he was impressed by Tashkent’s thriving football scene. The city is home to two of Uzbekistan’s leading teams, Bunyodkor and Pakhtakor.

The Vision Asia trip is a follow-up to the visit made by Uzbekistan Football Association (UFF) officials earlier this year.

“Compliments to UFF for already making a great start and implementing some of the strategies we have talked about since February,” said Menton.

“Our visit now is to start implementing activities for the city and provincial projects.”

Tashkent already has 21 clubs participating in six age-group league competitions, city league with 17 clubs and 28 stadiums that meet competition requirements.

There are also 48 AFC qualified coaches and 53 qualified referees in the city.

Tashkent City Vice Mayor Bakhtiyorov Nizomidin, who is also Vice President of the Tashkent City Football Federation, said he hopes more talent will come out of the city through Vision Asia.

“We know the importance of youth football development and we have all necessity facilities for Grassroots & Youth football activities,” he said.

“We hope Vision Asia can help to further the development of football in Tashkent.”