Pakistan Street Child Football Team Gears Up for Norway Cup 2024
Ahead of their participation in the Norway Cup 2024, the Pakistan Street Child Football Team held a press conference today at the Sports Complex in Islamabad. The event was organized with the support of the Prime Minister Youth Program. Key attendees included the team’s captain, Muhammad Adeel, coach Muhammad Rashid, Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Country Head of Muslim Hands Pakistan Syed Zia-ul-Noor, Executive Director of Muslim Hands Pakistan Syed Javed Gilani, and other officials.
Squad Announcement
During the press conference, it was announced that the training camp has concluded, and the squad for the Norway Cup, set to take place from July 27, 2024, has been finalized. The squad includes:
- Forwards: Muhammad Kashif, Issa Khan, Shahid Anjum, Abdul Ghani
- Midfielders: Muhammad Junaid, Muhammad Khan, Daniyal, Owais, Muhammad Usama
- Defenders: Asad Nasir, Ubaid Ullah, Muhammad Adeel, Hamza Gul
- Goalkeepers: Aryan, Adeel Ali Khan
Departure and Matches
The national team will depart for Oslo, Norway, on July 25, 2024, to participate in the event. They will kick off their group matches on July 28, with their first match against Norway’s Astor Football Club.
Trials and Preparations
Three months ago, the team management conducted nationwide trials for the Norway Cup, which saw thousands of young participants. During the press conference, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted the collaboration between the Prime Minister’s Youth Program and Muslim Hands, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to support youth through the “Skills Development Program.” This initiative aims to provide various courses to millions of young Pakistanis, ensuring they are skilled and certified for employment, especially abroad.
Statements from Officials and Team Captain
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan praised the efforts of Muslim Hands’ Project Maidan, which has been working for years to promote football among street children in collaboration with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. He noted the project’s success in helping thousands of children gain education and skills for a better future.
Team captain Muhammad Adeel expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “Our team is fully prepared for the Norway Cup. We have daily practice sessions where we learn various skills. We are hopeful to win the Norway Cup title this time and bring it home to Pakistan.”
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Project Maidan’s Mission
Project Maidan’s management also spoke at the event, emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of street children through football. They revealed that over 1.8 million street children exist in Pakistan and that the project aims to provide them with education and skills, helping them become productive members of society. They also mentioned their goal to bring 500,000 out-of-school children back to school.
Past Achievements
The Pakistan Street Child Football Team has a commendable history, having finished as runners-up in the Norway Cup 2023 and the Street Child Football World Cup in Qatar. They also secured second place in the Norway Cup 2015 and third place in 2016.
The team’s journey and the support they receive highlight the positive impact of sports and education on the lives of street children, aiming to give them a better future and a sense of identity.
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