In a major step towards rebuilding Pakistan’s football structure, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has launched the National Under-17 Championship, signaling the revival of organized domestic football and reaffirming its commitment to youth development.  The championship will bring together regional teams from across Pakistan to compete for national honours, providing a vital platform for young footballers to showcase their talent and progress through a structured development pathway. 

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani described the tournament as a cornerstone of the federation’s long-term vision for football development in Pakistan.“This championship is the first pillar of a domestic competition calendar that PFF is committed to expanding. Every young player in Pakistan deserves a structured and competitive pathway, along with meaningful opportunities to develop and excel, and we are committed to building one,” Gilani said. 

Highlighting the significance of youth development, PFF Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar said the future of Pakistan football depends on the strength and quality of its grassroots and youth competitions. “Pakistan’s football future will be built on the quality of its youth competitions. The National Under-17 Championship is where that work begins. It is a key component of PFF’s broader mandate to establish a sustainable football pyramid, creating structured pathways for talented players from grassroots football to the national team setup,” he said.

The championship will also serve as the primary selection platform for the national squad ahead of the SAFF Under-17 Championship, which Pakistan is set to host. The revival of the National U-17 Championship reflects PFF’s commitment to rebuilding the country's football structure, nurturing emerging talent, and laying the foundation for sustained growth and success at both regional and international level.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)