Pakistan has reached another landmark in football as the national Under-16 team has departed for Kazakhstan to participate in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Development Tournament for the first time, scheduled from April 24 to 30.
Pakistan U-16 team set for historic UEFA appearance
ISLAMABAD, Apr 23 (APP):Pakistan has reached another landmark in football as the national Under-16 team has departed for Kazakhstan to participate in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Development Tournament for the first time, scheduled from April 24 to 30.
President, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Mohsin Gillani termed the participation a “major breakthrough” for youth football in the country, calling it a historic moment for Pakistan, said a news release issued here on Thursday.
He emphasized that exposure to elite international competitions was vital for the long-term growth of the sport. “Playing in a UEFA Development Tournament will provide our young players with invaluable experience, confidence, and a clearer understanding of international standards,” he said.
Gillani highlighted that youth development was at the core of PFF’s strategy, aimed at building structured pathways from grassroots to elite levels. He added that such tournaments are not just about matches but serve as key learning platforms for players, coaches, and support staff, helping lay a strong foundation for the future of Pakistan football.
The landmark participation marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s youth football journey and reflects a growing focus on international exposure. The tournament would feature host Kazakhstan along with Russia and Azerbaijan, offering Pakistan’s young footballers a rare opportunity to compete against technically strong and tactically advanced teams in a high-level environment.
Pakistan would begin their campaign against Kazakhstan on April 25, followed by matches against Russia on April 27 and Azerbaijan on April 30.
The Pakistan U-16 squad included goalkeepers Samar Razzaq and Naveed Ullah. Defenders were Muhammad Alam, Hamza Amjad, Maqbool Ahmed, Nadeem Hussain, Abdul Raheem Elahi, and Syed Manzar Shah.
Midfielders included Muhammad Mustafa, Muhammad Essa, Sagar Mehrban, Haroon Rasheed, Shahraz Khan, Abdul Samad, Hamza Yasir, and Muhammad Hanzala, while the forwards are Danish Masih, Muhammad Rafay, and Kaleem Ullah.
Pakistan’s inclusion in the tournament also highlighted improving ties between PFF and international football bodies, particularly UEFA, and reflects renewed efforts to integrate the country into global youth football pathways while bridging the gap between domestic and international competition.
