Football is the world’s most popular sport and humanitarian organizations are using its power to enhance social change. No other sport generates as much excitement and football can bring disadvantaged youth into social development programs and keep them there. Once they are on the pitch, it is easy to transform their passion into meaningful skills, more importantly, encourage them to bring others on the right path and to give back to their community.

This is exactly what K-Electric and UNICEF set out to do in the volatile and poverty stricken neighborhood of Lyari in Karachi, an area that usually brings forward stories of crime, violence, poverty and unemployment.  This however is a different headline.

KE and UNICEF believe that the future progress of any society greatly depends on its youth, thereby channeling the energy of the youth towards a healthy and right direction is critical to ensuring sustainability and the stability of any country.

To this effect on 16 May 2014, Peoples’ Stadium Lyari looked nothing less than an international football stadium. The opening ceremony was performed by the police band followed by the traditional entrance of the participating teams that marched on the ground and shook hands with the distinguished guests at the event. The enthusiasm of the spectators present at the stadium was a sight to see. Already barriers were being broken. The police otherwise seen in a hostile light due to repeated operations against criminal elements in Lyari, today was a participant and was also responsible for securing the venue where the boys would come out to play.

This tournament was organized by K-Electric in association with UNICEF Pakistan, Pakistan Football Federation and the Anti-Narcotics Department and was held between the 16^th and 25^th of May. K-Electric’s team Captain Mr. Muhammad Essa, who is a role model for these children because of being captain of the country as well as the highest goal scorer in Pakistan, took oath from all participating teams to refrain from drug abuse and criminal activities. The players also vowed to spread awareness and to try to be a positive influence on their friends, family and neighbors.

This is the second football tournament held in Lyari, the first was held in January 2010. The aim of the Under 16 Lyari football League, is to empower the youth to create a positive impact on the environment. All in all there were 12 teams and 216 children that participated in the event. And the process of inclusion too was a fair one, 11 teams represented different Union Councils of Lyari while the 12^th team was representative of the entire Lyari town.

The final match of the tournament was played between UC 7 and UC 11. After a much enthusiastic and action filled game UC 7 won the match with a final score of 2-1 against UC 11. The match for the third position was held between UC 6 and Lyari Town, where Lyari Town won by an exceptional 7-0 score.

At the end of the tournament all the team members were introduced to the honorable guests at the event while the closing ceremony entailed a high quality fireworks display. The trophies were distributed and cash prizes were also given.

Football and involvement in sport not only provides an incentive for participation in development programs but instead can be used to deliver key lessons as well. Such gathering not only involve the players but also the neighborhood youth who come to view these events. It is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness amongst them. They are taught about fair play, tolerance, inclusion and respect which enhances their confidence as well as knowledge to assume responsibility in their respective communities. K-Electric and UNICEF hope that the lessons on the pitch can be transferred to life off the pitch, ensuring the long term impact of social change through football.