The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has launched the FIFA Football for Schools program in Pakistan, targeting three million students across 3,000 public schools as part of a major grassroots development initiative.
Backed by FIFA in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and UNESCO, the program will distribute 162,000 footballs among participating schools.
More than 50 master trainers have already completed specialized training under FIFA instructors led by Antonio Buenano Sanchez, FIFA’s Senior Football for Schools Manager.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said grassroots development would remain central to the federation’s strategy, adding that the program would also help identify talented young players from across the country.
With football infrastructure remaining a major challenge in Pakistan, the initiative will initially focus on public schools. FIFA has set criteria for selecting schools and teachers, while PFF’s partners are assisting with the selection process.
District and Regional Football Associations will later connect participating schools with the wider football structure.
Under the program’s cascading training model, the existing master trainers will return to their districts to train more teachers, potentially creating a network of around 450 trainers. Educators will also have access to the Football for Schools app in Urdu.
PFF Technical Director Adeel Rizki said more schools and districts would be added gradually as the program expands.
He also announced that the FIFA Talent Development Scheme is scheduled to launch in January 2027, providing a structured pathway for identifying and developing age-group talent.
The initiative will also focus on inclusion, with Prime Minister’s Youth Programme focal person Syeda Amna Batool calling for meaningful opportunities for girls.
The program aims to strengthen Pakistan’s grassroots football structure while creating a pathway for identifying and developing young talent.
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