PFL starts distribution of 100,000 footballs under ‘Football 4 Hope’ initiative

Pakistan Football League (PFL) has launched the ‘Football 4 Hope’ initiative, distributing 100,000 international-quality footballs to young, talented children across Pakistan, PFL’s Chairman Farhan Ahmed Junejo announced.

In the last three days, over 10,000 footballs have already been distributed in various cities, with more than 2,500 footballs handed out in Lyari, Karachi, he noted.

“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.”

PFL plans to initiate 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 a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by PFL aimed at contributing to social development in Pakistan, Junejo explained.

“Football 4 Hope aims to mobilize all four provinces of Pakistan to foster national unity. It seeks 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."

“We will use innovative educational and health initiatives to introduce football to young children and youth. Our goals include promoting education, conflict resolution, gender equality, social integration, inclusion of children with disabilities, peacebuilding, youth leadership, teamwork, and life skills through Football for Hope,” said Junejo.

Junejo, the chief architect behind the inauguration of PFL in Lahore on June 4, stated that more footballs would be distributed after the initial 100,000 footballs are handed out.

“The footballs used in the World Cup, each costing one dollar, are being distributed among all segments of Pakistani society for the first time under the initiative ‘One Ball One Smile,’ without any discrimination,” he said.

Junejo emphasized that Pakistan, a country of 250 million people, is full of poor children who deserve hope and opportunities to develop football skills and earn their livelihood.

The British Pakistani entrepreneur highlighted innovative methods through educational and health institutes to introduce football to children and youth. “Our goals include promoting education, conflict resolution, gender equality, social integration, inclusion, peacebuilding, youth leadership, teamwork, and life skills through Football for Hope. From spontaneous games in slums to mountain-top matches, and street football across Pakistan, to school and academy development, and stadium competitions, football fosters confidence, pride in the underdog, and unity. It unites the nation in hope, regardless of its location.”