KARACHI: The Pakistan Football League (PFL) has begun distributing 100,000 international-quality footballs to young, talented children across Pakistan through its ‘Football 4 Hope’ initiative, according to PFL Chairman Farhan Ahmed Junejo.
In the past three days alone, over 10,000 footballs have been distributed in various cities, including more than 2,500 in Lyari, Karachi.
“We are giving footballs to young children and seeking smiles in return. We give you a ball, you give us a smile. One ball, one smile – Football for Hope,” Junejo said.
PFL will also launch a festival to showcase the social impact of football, celebrate the achievements of disadvantaged youth, and foster hope through the sport. Football for Hope is PFL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at contributing to social development in Pakistan, Junejo added.
“Football 4 Hope aims to mobilize all four provinces of Pakistan to foster national unity. It endeavors to offer a brighter future to children who have lost hope in football, preventing them from being engulfed by other societal challenges. From impromptu games in slums to mountain-top matches, and street football across Pakistan, to school academies and stadium competitions, football instills confidence, pride in the underdog, and promotes unity. It unites the nation in hope, regardless of where it’s played,” he said.
Innovative educational and health initiatives will be used to introduce football to young children and youth. The goals include promoting education, conflict resolution, gender equality, social integration, inclusion of children with disabilities, peace building, youth leadership, teamwork, and life skills through Football for Hope, Junejo stated.
He emphasized that Pakistan, with its 250 million people, has many poor children who deserve hope and opportunities to develop their football skills and earn a livelihood. “Football is the driving force behind our social engagement. With its universal appeal and core values, it serves as a common ground for various social development activities, health promotion, social cohesion, and gender equality initiatives. This is why Football for Hope is strategically important for PFL,” he explained.
Football will integrate drug rehabilitation and HIV/AIDS awareness programs with health facilities and institutes, promoting a healthy sporting environment using modern sports science methodologies to tackle poor health as a major socio-economic challenge. A franchise network will provide football access for all, with facilities and academies aimed at nurturing young talent to compete in a competitive league. The program will collaborate closely with inter-city rivalry, ensuring accessible football opportunities for local communities. Football-based educational activities will integrate into school curricula to foster learning, development, and off-pitch educational opportunities for underprivileged students to acquire new skills.
