Lyari Academy to compete in Norway
The Pakistan Football League (PFL) has stepped forward to support Liyari Football Academy (LFA) as it prepares for its historic debut at the Norway Cup — the world's largest youth football tournament — set to begin on July 26 in Oslo.
Recognizing the significance of this milestone, PFL has formally written to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pakistan, requesting expedited visa facilitation for the Academy's young athletes. The League emphasized the importance of enabling these players to proudly represent Pakistan on the global stage, marking the nation's first-ever participation in the prestigious tournament.
This gesture is not an isolated act — it reflects PFL's longstanding engagement with Lyari's football community. In 2024, PFL's international delegation, led by global ambassador Michael Owen and accompanied by Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, visited Liyari's iconic Kakri Ground to witness a spirited exhibition match. The visit coincided with the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Kakri Sports Complex and underscored PFL's recognition of Liyari as a cradle of football talent in Pakistan.
To encourage the LFA's aspiring and extremely talented pool of young players, Chairman, PFL, Farhan Ahmed, during his recent visit to the Liyari Football Academy, met with the young athletes preparing for their journey to the Norway Cup. Taking time to speak with the extremely talented players, he praised their discipline, talent and unwavering spirit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Sindh CM hails Lyari's young footballers for winning Norway Cup 2025
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday congratulated Lyari's youth football team, Better Future Pakistan, on winning the prestigious Norway Cup 2025 (Boys U-15 category), calling the victory a proud moment for the entire nation. In a statement issued from the Chief Minister's House, Shah said the young footballers from Lyari have 'brought glory to Pakistan and Sindh on the global stage' and that 'they are our identity and our pride.' 'The Sindh government is committed to ensuring national recognition for these young heroes,' he added. Better Future Pakistan, a team of young footballers from Karachi's Lyari neighbourhood, made history by defeating Danish club KFUM Oslo by 2-1 in the U-15 final of the Norway Cup, one of the world's largest youth football tournaments. The final was played in Oslo on Saturday. The team remained undefeated throughout the tournament, displaying exceptional teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The victory is being hailed as a milestone achievement not only for Lyari, long known as the hub of football in Pakistan, but also for the country's grassroots sports development. Earlier, videos of the jubilant celebrations went viral on social media, showing the team waving Pakistani flags after the final whistle and receiving their gold medals on the podium. Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah termed the win a moment of pride for the whole country and vowed continued support for youth sports initiatives in underserved communities. Background The Norway Cup is the world's largest international youth football tournament held annually in Oslo, Norway. The 2025 edition featured over 2,000 teams from 58 countries. Better Future Pakistan's participation was part of a broader youth engagement initiative supported by local community organisers, volunteers, and sponsors committed to using sport as a tool for social uplift in Lyari.
Express Tribune
19-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Lyari Academy to compete in Norway
The young players of Lyari Academy pose for a picture during their preparations for debut at Norway Cup. Photo courtesy: PFL The Pakistan Football League (PFL) has stepped forward to support Liyari Football Academy (LFA) as it prepares for its historic debut at the Norway Cup — the world's largest youth football tournament — set to begin on July 26 in Oslo. Recognizing the significance of this milestone, PFL has formally written to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pakistan, requesting expedited visa facilitation for the Academy's young athletes. The League emphasized the importance of enabling these players to proudly represent Pakistan on the global stage, marking the nation's first-ever participation in the prestigious tournament. This gesture is not an isolated act — it reflects PFL's longstanding engagement with Lyari's football community. In 2024, PFL's international delegation, led by global ambassador Michael Owen and accompanied by Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, visited Liyari's iconic Kakri Ground to witness a spirited exhibition match. The visit coincided with the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Kakri Sports Complex and underscored PFL's recognition of Liyari as a cradle of football talent in Pakistan. To encourage the LFA's aspiring and extremely talented pool of young players, Chairman, PFL, Farhan Ahmed, during his recent visit to the Liyari Football Academy, met with the young athletes preparing for their journey to the Norway Cup. Taking time to speak with the extremely talented players, he praised their discipline, talent and unwavering spirit.
Express Tribune
21-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Jon Jones believes 'humble' Francis Ngannou could return to the UFC
Jon Jones believes a UFC return for Francis Ngannou isn't off the table, despite UFC CEO Dana White recently dismissing the idea. Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 after failed contract negotiations, exiting as the reigning heavyweight champion before signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). White, when asked about a potential reunion with Ngannou, replied with a brief 'Probably not.' Jones, however, thinks otherwise. 'I think Dana gets things done,' Jones said on the Full Send Podcast. 'I think business speaks before emotions. If Francis presents himself in a humble way, I think that he could very easily be back in the UFC.' Ngannou and White's split was far from cordial, but Jones argued that time and opportunity have a way of reshaping relationships — even those with deep fractures. 'Dana White is one of the best sports minds in recent history for a reason, and money talks,' said Jones. 'Francis brings eyes, and I'm sure Dana will be interested. He can be stubborn. I think I'm an example. People grow and mature, and time changes things. There were moments in my career where I felt like Dana absolutely hated me. Now I feel he's a big advocator for me," he added. Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC), the current heavyweight champion, has shown little interest in a unification bout with interim champ Tom Aspinall. But a long-hyped showdown with Ngannou remains a fight fans and fighters alike continue to speculate on. Whether White and Ngannou can find common ground remains uncertain. But for Jones, the door is still open — and business, as always in combat sports, could come first.
