Pakistan Football Federation has launched a major grassroots football initiative for students across the country.
The FIFA Football Program will target three million students studying in 3,000 public schools across Pakistan.
FIFA is supporting the initiative alongside the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and UNESCO.
Under the program, 162,000 footballs will be distributed among participating schools. The initiative aims to increase access to football at the school level.
It will also create opportunities to identify talented young players from different parts of Pakistan.
Over 50 Master Trainers Complete Training
More than 50 master trainers have already completed specialized training for the initiative.
FIFA instructors conducted the training under the leadership of Antonio Buenano Sanchez. He serves as FIFA’s Senior Football for Schools Manager.
These master trainers will return to their respective districts and train additional teachers.
The cascading training system could eventually create a network of around 450 trained instructors across Pakistan.
Teachers will also receive access to the Football for Schools app in Urdu. This will provide additional support for delivering football activities in schools.
Public Schools to Get Initial Focus
The FIFA Football Program will initially focus on public schools due to infrastructure challenges across Pakistan.
FIFA has established criteria for selecting participating schools and teachers. PFF’s partner organizations are supporting the selection process.
District and Regional Football Associations will later connect participating schools with Pakistan’s wider football structure.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said grassroots development remains a central part of the federation’s strategy.
He said the initiative could also help discover promising football talent from different regions.
PFF Technical Director Adeel Rizki said the project would expand gradually. More schools and districts are expected to join as implementation progresses.
FIFA Talent Development Scheme Coming in 2027
The initiative is also expected to create a pathway for young players showing strong football potential.
Adeel Rizki announced that the FIFA Talent Development Scheme is scheduled to launch in January 2027.
The scheme will provide a more structured system for identifying and developing players across different age groups.
Inclusion will also remain an important part of the FIFA Football Program.
Prime Minister’s Youth Programme focal person Syeda Amna Batool highlighted the need for meaningful opportunities for girls.
The initiative represents a significant effort to strengthen grassroots football development across Pakistan.
By introducing football to millions of students, PFF hopes to build a stronger foundation for the sport.
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The program could also connect schools with Pakistan’s broader football system and create pathways for emerging young talent.
