The Pakistan Football Federation has taken a major step toward developing grassroots football in the country by announcing the launch of its “Football For Schools” programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting the sport among young students across Pakistan.
Under the ambitious campaign, the federation plans to distribute more than 150,000 footballs to schools nationwide, giving thousands of children easier access to the game and encouraging participation at the grassroots level.
The announcement was made during the AFC Grassroots Football Day celebrations at the Jinnah Stadium in the Pakistan Sports Complex, where children participated together in a colorful football festival designed to highlight the importance of youth development in sports.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani described grassroots football as the foundation of future national talent and emphasized the federation’s commitment to building football from the school level upward.
“Grassroots is a football factory from where future players are developed,” he said while addressing participants and parents at the event.
The celebration featured 56 young footballers divided into eight teams, with equal participation from boys and girls. Their matches and activities reflected the federation’s broader vision of creating inclusive football opportunities for children across Pakistan.
Pakistan’s event was part of the 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day, where 45 member associations of the Asian Football Confederation joined celebrations connected with FIFA’s World Football Week initiative.
The upcoming Football For Schools programme is expected to significantly improve football access in educational institutions, particularly for children who have limited sporting facilities.
The initiative also aligns with the federation’s long-term youth development strategy aimed at identifying and nurturing future football talent.
Another important aspect of the event was a safeguarding awareness session for parents. Organizers screened an animated educational video focusing on child protection and safe sporting environments, reinforcing the PFF’s commitment to player welfare.
The joint participation of girls and boys remained one of the biggest highlights of the day, signaling a positive shift toward inclusivity in Pakistan’s football structure.
With the launch of this large-scale football distribution programme, the PFF hopes to inspire a new generation of footballers and strengthen the country’s grassroots sports culture.
