Pakistan Launches FIFA Football for Schools Program Across 3,000 Public Schools
Pakistan has launched a major FIFA Football for Schools programme aimed at expanding grassroots football and giving millions of children greater access to organised sporting activities. The initiative, led by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in collaboration with FIFA and national partners, is targeting 3 million students across 3,000 public schools throughout the country.
The programme represents a significant effort to introduce football at the school level and create a stronger foundation for the sport in Pakistan. Under the initiative, 162,000 footballs are planned for distribution among participating schools, while teachers and coaches will receive training designed to help establish sustainable football activities within educational institutions.
FIFA Football for Schools Comes to Pakistan
The launch brings FIFA’s global Football for Schools initiative into a broader national grassroots development framework. The programme is designed to make football more accessible to children while using the sport as a tool for physical activity, teamwork, learning and personal development.
PFF President Syed Mohsin Gilani has described grassroots development as a central priority for Pakistan football. The federation believes the country has considerable young talent but needs stronger opportunities and structures to help children discover and develop their abilities.
3 Million Students in 3,000 Schools
The scale of the programme is one of its most notable features. The target is to reach three million students through 3,000 public schools, potentially giving children from different regions greater exposure to organised football.
The initial focus on public schools is also significant because it can extend football opportunities beyond established clubs and academies. By bringing structured activities directly into schools, the programme can help introduce the sport to children who may not otherwise have access to formal training.
The participating schools will be selected according to criteria established under the FIFA programme, with partners supporting the identification process. District and regional football associations will subsequently help connect participating schools with the wider football structure.
Teachers and Coaches to Receive Training
A key component of the initiative is the development of local coaching capacity. More than 50 government school teachers have already completed specialised master training under FIFA instructors.
The programme follows a cascading training model. Existing master trainers are expected to return to their respective districts and train additional teachers, potentially creating a network of around 450 trainers.
Teachers will also have access to the Football for Schools application in Urdu, providing additional resources to support football activities and learning at participating schools.
Building a Pathway for Young Talent
The initiative is not limited to simply providing footballs and encouraging children to play. Organisers also want to establish a pathway through which promising young players can be identified and developed.
PFF Technical Director Adeel Rizki has said the current rollout is only the beginning, with additional schools and districts expected to be incorporated over time. The FIFA Talent Development Scheme is also scheduled for launch in January 2027, providing a more structured route for identifying and developing age-group talent.
More Opportunities for Girls
The programme could also help broaden participation in football among girls. FIFA Football for Schools Programme Manager Antonio Sanchez has emphasized the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for girls in Pakistan to participate and progress in the sport.
Greater access at school level could help reduce some of the barriers that prevent young players from entering organised football.
A New Chapter for Pakistani Football
Pakistan has long had a passionate football following, but limited infrastructure and grassroots development have presented challenges for the sport. The new FIFA-backed initiative seeks to address part of that gap by starting with schools and building a wider development network.
With 3,000 public schools, 3 million targeted students and 162,000 footballs involved in the programme, the initiative represents one of the country’s most ambitious recent grassroots football efforts.
If successfully expanded, the programme could provide a stronger foundation for identifying young talent and encouraging more children to participate in football. For Pakistan, the long-term objective is clear: create more opportunities at the grassroots level and build a sustainable pathway for the next generation of footballers.
