Islamabad (Syed Javed Hassan Shah): In a powerful demonstration of its grassroots commitment, the Pakistan Football League (PFL) has stepped forward to support Liyari Football Academy (LFA) as it prepares for its historic debut at the Norway Cup—the world’s largest youth football tournament—set to begin on July 26 in Oslo.

Recognizing the significance of this milestone, PFL has formally written to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pakistan, requesting expedited visa facilitation for the Academy’s young athletes. The League emphasized the importance of enabling these players to proudly represent Pakistan on the global stage, marking the nation’s first-ever participation in the prestigious tournament.

This gesture is not an isolated act—it reflects PFL’s longstanding engagement with Lyari’s football community. In 2024, PFL’s international delegation, led by global ambassador Michael Owen and accompanied by Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, visited Liyari’s iconic Kakri Ground to witness a spirited exhibition match. The visit coincided with the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Kakri Sports Complex and underscored PFL’s recognition of Liyari as a cradle of football talent in Pakistan.

To encourage the LFA’s aspiring and extremely talented pool of young players, Chairman, PFL, Farhan Ahmed, during his recent visit to the Liyari Football Academy, met with the young athletes preparing for their journey to the Norway Cup. Taking time to speak with the extremely talented players, he praised their discipline, talent and unwavering spirit – Hallmark of Liyari’s proud football legacy.

While extending his gratitude and thankfulness to the Chief Minister of Sindh and Minister of Sports Government of Sindh for providing the financial assistance for LFA, Chairman PFL encouraged the players to embrace this global opportunity with confidence saying, “You carry not just your dreams, but the hopes of the Nation. Play with Pride, Play for Pakistan.”

This heartfelt interaction served as a powerful morale boost for the team, reinforcing PFL’s commitment towards uplifting grassroot talent and spotlighting Liyari as a beacon of football excellence.

It is pertinent to mention here that the first-hand passion, discipline, and raw talent that thrives amongst the streets and grounds of Liyari is unprecedented, and it is high-time that these richly talented pool of youngsters thriving to showcase their skillsets on the local and global fronts of the soccer field, shall be provided with competitive opportunities alongside the basic facilities which they require in their urge to represent Pakistan on the global stage.