Sialkot to become FC Porto’s new gateway to one of Asia’s largest markets

ISLAMABAD, Sep 15 (APP): FC Porto has entered into a partnership with Sialkot Football Academy, in Pakistan, to establish a new international Dragon Force by FC Porto academy, in a project that reinforces the Club’s internationalisation strategy and its global presence.

“With more than 250 million inhabitants, a young population and a Gross Domestic Product of over 400 billion US dollars, Pakistan represents a market of significant scale and potential. Entering Sialkot therefore represents a strategic step for FC Porto, which will establish a new presence in Asia,” a press release on Tuesday said.

Through this partnership, FC Porto will bring its methodology, knowledge and values to a new generation of young Pakistani players, strengthening an international structure that already spans four continents and will surpass 11,000 students with the integration of the Sialkot academy.

The international expansion of the academies is part of FC Porto’s ambition to reach 40,000 young athletes by 2030, consolidating a global development model based on excellence, high standards and the Club’s values.

The Sialkot Dragon Force by FC Porto Football Academy thus represents another step in FC Porto’s international expansion and a bridge between Portugal and Pakistan, bringing the two countries closer through a shared passion for football and a common vision of the role of sport in the development and education of young people.

Internationally recognised for its strong links to sport and the sporting goods industry, Sialkot is also home to Forward Sports, the company behind Sialkot Football Academy and a manufacturer of official FIFA World Cup match balls, as well as balls used in some of the world’s leading football competitions.

“This partnership represents a very special opportunity to bring FC Porto closer to young players in Pakistan. We want to share our methodology, our values and our experience in youth football development,” says Ricardo Frey-Ramos, Director of FC Porto Dragon Force Academies, adding that the project represents “an important step in our international growth strategy, which we intend to continue accelerating.”

The initiative also has the strong support of the Embassy of Pakistan in Portugal and Ambassador Aisha Farooqui, who highlighted the project’s potential to bring the two countries closer together through sport.

 “I believe this initiative will be a true turning point for football lovers in Pakistan, as it offers a tremendous opportunity to all those who aspire to become future FIFA World Cup players for Pakistan,” she added

Hassan Masood Khawaja, President of Sialkot Football Academy and General Manager of Forward Sports, hoped the partnership opens up a new perspective for the development of football in the country.

“We are opening a new chapter for young talent in Pakistan. A chapter where dreams gain direction and potential finds an opportunity. Together with FC Porto, we want to transform the football talent of young Pakistanis into the champions of tomorrow,” he added

The project also benefited from the contribution of Haroon Sharif, President of the Pakistan Regional Economic Forum and former Minister for Investment of Pakistan, whose role was instrumental in bringing the two organisations together.