The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee has recently announced the initiation of regional training camps for young footballers under the age of 16 in several cities across the country. The PFF U-16 Training Camps, scheduled to commence on July 8, will be conducted in Quetta, Karachi, Islamabad, Kohat, and Khanewal.
In the months leading up to these training camps, extensive trials were conducted from February to June to identify talented players from various regions of Pakistan. The trials proved to be fruitful, as they successfully uncovered 200 promising individuals with exceptional potential. These young prospects will now have the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities under the watchful eye of head coach Sajjad Mehmood during the forthcoming camps.
Following the regional training camps, a national camp for U-16 players will be organized, spanning from August 1 to 30. From a pool of highly skilled participants, 50 players will be meticulously selected to participate in this prestigious event. These chosen individuals will undergo rigorous training sessions and receive expert guidance from Sajjad Mehmood, aimed at further enhancing their footballing prowess.
From the national training camp, a final squad of 26 talented individuals will be meticulously chosen. This select team will represent Pakistan in the highly anticipated SAFF U-16 tournament, scheduled to be held in Bhutan from September 1 to September 11. Moreover, the same group of aspiring young athletes will also compete in next year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-16 Qualifiers.
These comprehensive training camps and prestigious tournaments serve as an excellent platform for young footballers to exhibit their skills and pave the way for a successful career in the sport. The primary objective of the PFF Normalisation Committee is to identify and support budding talent, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to nurture their growth and development in football.
By organizing these training camps and participation in international tournaments, the PFF U-16 Training Camps aims to foster a conducive environment for young players, enabling them to thrive and realize their full potential. The efforts of the PFF Normalisation Committee play a pivotal role in unearthing hidden gems within the Pakistani football landscape, propelling the nation’s footballing aspirations to new heights.