Only grassroots initiative in football targeting the underprivileged youth of our nation: Spokesperson
Karachi, April 28, 2016: K-Electric Limited (KE) today inaugurated the 5th KE Lyari football league. The league has been organized by K-Electric in association with Anti-Narcotics Board and Pakistan Rangers.
The tournament, which will be held from April 28th- May 07th, 2016 at People’s and KMC Football Stadium, Lyari features 16 teams. The KE Lyari League is the first grassroots movement in football targeted towards the under-privileged youth of Pakistan.
The KE Lyari League was initiated as a means to provide the football loving youth of Lyari with a positive platform. Previous editions of the league have provided a platform to 1,400 children from the locality. Thirty eight players who have emerged through the KE Lyari League have gone on to represent Pakistan at various national and international levels.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Syed Fakhar Ahmed, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, KE said, “As a company that strives for the betterment of the city and its youth, KE has invested in this League which has now become an annual feature in Lyari. It’s a great way of keeping these youngsters away from social crimes by engaging them in healthy activities and also showcasing their immense talent.”
Commenting on the occasion, Brig. Mohammed Abuzar, Force Commander, Anti-Narcotics Force Sindh, said, “We are delighted to be a part of this initiative. The youth of the area need such healthy activities to divert themselves from negativity. Football has always been popular in this area and it is an excellent example of community engagement by KE.”
KE also emphasizes upon education alongside sports and it is heartening to note that 90% of all League players have continued with their studies. Inhabitants of the Lyari community who look forward to this annual event shared that street crime reduces around the time this event takes place.
A total of 16 teams consisting of 288 participants are competing in the KE Lyari League this year. The teams are divided into four groups; each group consists of three teams with 14 players in each team. Following this tournament, KE will select six best players for their U-16 team who will represent the company at the national level.
The final match of the tournament will be played on May 7th, 2016 which will be followed by the closing and the prize distribution ceremony.