Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2022):-Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar started a life changing career opportunity for 20 super talented Pakistani football players, as a program has been launched under the banner of Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) in collaboration with Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive.
While addressing in a press conference at a local hotel on Monday along with other officials, fastest bowler of the world said that the road to UK and Ireland has now become unstoppable. “Including me and other top cricketer played football at the earlier stage of the life. I played football at the age of 16. Pakistan has tremendous talent of sports and I wish Pakistan should a multiple sports country instead of only cricket. We should focus on national game hockey, football and other sports and Pakistani can ink history in the top sports of the world, “he added.
“The trials are being heavily invested into by GSV in Pakistan offering the very first UEFA scouting assessment on a national level in Pakistan to talent ID in 10 cities across 11 venues to subsequently offer life changing careers through professional football contracts in Ireland. The tour also includes 4 master-classes in Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Lahore to develop local football coaching expertise to European standards under St. Patrick’s Football Club development program. At least 15-25 coaches have been selected on merit to attend master-classes to help up-skill their football coaching methods and transfer skills so they become certified train-the-trainers in Pakistan leaving a sustainable roll-out plan under Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive, “said an official.
Yasir Mahmood, Chairman of GSV said on this occasion, “Football is here to stay for the right reasons to develop and provide an opportunity for Pakistani players. With Akhtar as an iconic cricket legend well regarded around the world will help play a transitional role in making football become on top of the minds of our nation”.
Allison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commissioner said: “Football is not just a sport, for many in the UK it’s a way of life, and it would be great to see it become more popular in sport-loving Pakistan. I’m delighted that talented young players here in Pakistan will have this opportunity provided by GSV to learn from some of the best UEFA coaches through St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club”
Karel Freaye, Belgian UEFA licensed coach said, “Football is for everyone and I am looking for talent with potential to develop and grow into professional players in Europe. I am really excited to see what football technical excellence Pakistan has to offer with football as I see trial registrations rising by the hour”.
Usman Dar, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Chairman Kamyab Jawan Program said, “The revival of sports is the top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government. I welcome GSV in their efforts for reviving football in Pakistan. PM’s Kamyab Jawan Program together with GSV will ensure that through football talent hunt we will produce the next football Kamyab Jawan heroes who will represent Pakistan nationally and internationally”.
Garret Kelleher, President of St. Patrick’s Football Club said: ‘It is simply wonderful that the resources are now being put in place in Pakistan to allow football inspiring those with a passion for the game to fulfil their dreams and aspirations just like Shoaib Akhtar has in the world of cricket representing Pakistan at the highest level”.
