Despite the challenging local environment, the Pakistan Socca team travelled to participate in the 2024 Socca World Cup in Oman and showed remarkable effort and determination against top teams like France, Poland, Turkey, and Haiti. The young players showcased impressive skills and confidence signal a bright future for Pakistani football.
The young Pakistani Socca team was able to participate in the global tournament by overcoming financial challenges with support of English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) which played a crucial role in providing the necessary resources for the team to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Socca is playing a pivotal role in transforming Pakistan’s football landscape, especially for the youth, by providing an accessible, inclusive, and engaging alternative format. Since its introduction a few years ago, Socca has gained limited traction in Pakistan, with local players competing in ISF Socca World Cup tournaments since 2018.
Socca, a six-a-side soccer variant, is played on artificial turf or concrete surfaces commonly used for multi-purpose sports courts. While its rules are adapted from traditional soccer, Socca is designed for a faster-paced, more dynamic experience, emphasizing quick passing and movement. The game also features boards or barriers around the field to keep the ball in play, ensuring continuous action and excitement.
Waleed Khan, the coach of Pakistan’s team at the 2024 Socca World Cup, said that For Socca to thrive, early investments and consistent training are crucial. These foundational steps, rather than last-minute preparations, are important for success at the tournament. By focussing on long-term development, better results can be expected from Socca in the future,”.
The journey to the Socca World Cup was challenging, with financial barriers limiting many young athletes’ access to global platforms. However, private sector support played a vital role, with EBM stepping in to sponsor the team’s participation.
For Zaidullah Khan, a 17-year-old Socca player from Karachi who scored his first international goal during the tournament, this experience was life-changing. He shared, “Playing on the world stage was something I never imagined. Scoring my first international goal was not just a personal achievement; it was proof that hard work and determination can take you far. This goal is not just for me—it’s for everyone who dreams of breaking barriers and showing the world what Pakistan’s youth can achieve.”
Ismail Askani, President of the Pakistan Socca Federation highlighted the significance of this achievement for the country’s footballing future: “The Socca World Cup may be over for now, but the impact of this event on the players and the sport in Pakistan will continue to resonate. With organizations like EBM stepping up to support youth development, we can expect to see more young athletes rise and take Pakistan’s football aspirations to greater heights.”
Zohair Altaf, a national-level player for over six years, shared his excitement about representing Pakistan at the World Cup: “It’s a dream come true to play on the international stage for my country. Socca has immense potential in Pakistan, and with more opportunities and support, we can continue to grow and compete at higher levels.”
The Pakistan Socca team’s journey at the World Cup has not only enriched their experience but also ignited a new wave of enthusiasm for the sport. As they return from Oman, they carry invaluable lessons that will shape their growth and drive the future of Socca in Pakistan forward.
