KARACHI, Sept 17: In an act of ‘Sports Diplomacy’, the US Consulate held a football clinic for under-privileged girls from various schools of the city here on Tuesday.

US Consul General Michael Dodman was joined by several female Pakistani football players, including Hajra Khan, the vice-captain of Pakistan’s women’s team, and others who volunteered to introduce the game of football to 60 girls from Lyari, Korangi, Landhi and Kharadar.

“We are delighted to be here today with our wonderful volunteers to introduce this group of enthusiastic young girls to football, or soccer, as we call the game in the United States,” Dodman said at the vent.

“The values exemplified in sports — cooperation, leadership and mutual respect — benefit girls as well as boys, and it is important that girls have opportunities like this to participate.”

After being divided into several teams, the young girls learned football techniques from the local trainers and then participated in a match.

This is the second event held by the US Consulate in Karachi, following a night cricket match for local children held during Ramazan as the US looks to strengthen its relations with Pakistan.—Sports Reporter