KARACHI: Pakistan’s street children football team will participate in the youth tournaments in Norway and China, founder and CEO Azad Foundation Naveed Hasan Khan announced here on Wednesday.

“This tour is part of Azad Foundation’s efforts to promote Pakistani football and give opportunities to the neglected and marginalised street children,” said Naveed.

The team will depart for Norway on Thursday from Karachi.

Since 2014, a total of 35 boys have participated in international tournaments including Street Child Olympic Games where Azad Foundation squad finished first.

“In the near future, Azad Foundation will also be establishing its female team,” he said.

Team Pakistan is managed by Azad Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation working in Pakistan for the rights of street children since 2001.

The team is officially sponsored by HBL while other partners for this tour include Muslim Hands International and Alma Culture Center Norway.

Pakistan will start the campaign in Oslo with Norway Cup, the world’s largest youth football tournament commencing on July 31.

Pakistan were quarter-finalists in 2014 and bronze medallists in 2015 edition of the tournament.

This year, no less than 220 teams are participating in the U-16 category of the tournament. Pakistan are placed in Group B14 with Tertens Soccers Men, Melhus IL1 and Sykkylven IL.

The knockout round will begin on Aug 4 while the final of the tournament will be played on Aug 7.

From Norway, the Pakistan team will fly to Shenyang, China to participate in Gothia Cup.

Gothia Cup is one of the largest football tournaments held every year in Sweden but this year the organisers are launching it in China as well.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2016