Five Young Footballers Take Lyari’s Dream Abroad
Five young girls from Karachi’s Lyari area have taken a major step for women’s football in Pakistan after earning a chance to train at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy in Qatar.
The players include Syeda Umme Zunaira Shah, Muqaddas Abdul Rasheed, Saiqa Faisal, Javeria Ejaz and Marium Zehri. They were selected through competitive trials organised by the Kiran Foundation.
Their journey is being seen as more than a sports opportunity. It is a powerful message from a community where football has long been part of daily life, but where girls have often had fewer chances to play.
For decades, Lyari has produced passionate footballers. Its narrow streets and local grounds have shaped many young players. But most of that football dream was linked to boys. These five girls are now changing that story.
From Street Football to International Training
Syeda Umme Zunaira Shah began playing football in 2016 when she was only 11 years old. She said watching boys play in the streets of Lyari inspired her to prove that girls could also compete.
Her journey was not easy. Like many female athletes in Pakistan, she faced criticism and social pressure. Many people questioned why a girl wanted to play football.
Zunaira said her family became her biggest support system. Their encouragement helped her stay focused and continue working toward her goal.
Muqaddas Abdul Rasheed also grew up surrounded by football. She said football was a natural part of life in Lyari. In the beginning, she learned through street matches rather than formal coaching.
She said girls first had to prove that they deserved space on the ground. Her father, a former footballer, supported her dream and encouraged her progress.
Training at the PSG Academy gave the players exposure to a professional football environment. They experienced structured drills, modern coaching methods, advanced facilities and a faster style of play.
Kiran Foundation Says Sports Can Change Lives
Kiran Foundation played a key role in creating this opportunity. The organisation selected players on the basis of discipline, skill, consistency, competitive experience and potential.
Sabeen Naz, Head of the Empowerment and Enrichment Department at Kiran Foundation, said sports help young girls build confidence, leadership and resilience.
She said the Qatar training programme showed the players that their talent belongs on international platforms.
Coach Zubair, who trains the Kiran Foundation girls’ team, said Pakistan has strong female football talent. However, he added that better facilities, regular competitions and international exposure are needed for real progress.
The players now hope to continue their football journey. Muqaddas wants to pursue sports science along with football. Zunaira dreams of playing professionally abroad and later opening a football academy for girls in Lyari.
Their achievement has created new hope for young girls in Lyari. It shows that football is not only for boys. With support and opportunity, girls from local streets can also reach global training grounds.
