Karachi: The Standard Chartered Karachi United Youth Football League 2024 concluded today with a ceremony celebrating the participation of over 1,300 young footballers. The league, a joint initiative by Standard Chartered and Karachi United Foundation, has engaged more than 7,000 players over the past seven years, aiming to foster sportsmanship and competition among youth from underserved areas of Karachi.

According to a statement by Standard Chartered Bank, this year's league, which commenced in August 2024, included 1,360 boys and girls and saw more than 192 matches played across Karachi. The initiative aims to bridge community gaps and promote the culture of sports through football.

Tasneem Mirza, Head of Community Impact and Engagement at Standard Chartered Pakistan, emphasized the bank's commitment to empowering youth sports and fostering talent. She noted the league's role in uniting communities and teaching essential life skills, aligning with the bank's Futuremakers initiative to nurture young talent for a more inclusive future in Pakistan.

Imran Ali, CEO of Karachi United, highlighted the league's growth, noting its status as Pakistan's largest youth football competition. He acknowledged the positive feedback from community stakeholders and the discovery of emerging football talent, attributing the league's success to the support from partners like Standard Chartered. Ali also mentioned plans to expand community engagement through sports festivals and social action initiatives.