KARACHI: The second edition of Neymar Jr’s Five returns to Pakistan targeting four cities; Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad.

After the Qualifiers Round four teams from four cities will then compete on April 23 in Islamabad at the National Finals with the hope to represent Pakistan at the World Finals in Brazil in July.

This year it returns with a rule change, giving more players the chance to compete. Whilte the tournament is again open to teams of five to seven players aged 16-25, but for the first time two over-aged players are allowed.

In order to take part in the tournament you have to first register your team at www.neymarjrsfive.com. Neymar Jr’s Five is the Brazilian forward’s signature football tournament which pits two 5-a-side teams in 10-minute matches, with a twist. Every time one team scores, the opposing team loses a player, paving the way for fast, tactical, and technical showdowns.

Neymar Jr’s Five Pakistan 2017 Schedule:

— Registrations open: March 31.

—Registrations close: April 12.

— Qualifying Round in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar: April 14, 15, 16.

— Qualifying Round in Islamabad: April 21, 22, 23.

— National Finals (Islamabad): April 23.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2017