Standard Chartered Bank announced the launch of the sixth edition of the Standard Chartered Karachi United Youth League, a flagship community programme aimed at promoting sports amongst children.
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The objective of the SC KU Youth League is to provide a platform for football teams from across the underserved areas of Karachi to come together, break barriers and inculcate the spirit and culture of sport and competition amongst children of the community. The Bank has been sponsoring this league since 2017, supporting over 5000 children through sports.
This year’s league will see 1200+ boys compete in the age categories: Under 10 years, Under 12 years, Under 14 years and Under 16 years including a Government School competition as well. The format is that of a group system from which the top teams qualify directly for the quarter-finals and beyond. This year the League will also witness an increase in the participation of girls through a Girls tournament involving 180 girls.
A total of 206 matches will be played in six different locations including Khyber Muslim Ground Baldia Town, Old Golimar Football Ground, Jam Eleven Ground Malir, Karachi United Clifton and Kakari Ground Lyari which promises to attract football fans from all over Karachi.
Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said, “The Bank has had a long association with football and we are proud to be leading such a transformational initiative with Karachi United in Pakistan. Each year the league brings together children from across different communities and backgrounds onto a level playing field through friendly competition. Beyond the fact that this improves the skills and game of the children, football has proven to stimulate positive mental health and cognitive development. We have also seen it contributing considerably to the promotion of tolerance, respect, perseverance, resilience and equity of the youth engaged.
We are delighted to share that together with our partners, over the five year period the SC KU league experience has positively impacted over 5000 children with not just football but also coaching in life skills, team work and other areas of life in general. We feel absolutely privileged to have been able to nurture their passion for the sport as well as drive greater equality and inclusion of young people.”
Imran Ali, CEO, Karachi United said, “The SC KU Youth League has become synonymous with youth football and competitions across Karachi’s football communities and has surfaced as the most sought-after event on the annual sports calendar. This is a testament to the organisation, professionalism, and quality that Standard Chartered Bank has helped us deliver to the thousands of children who participate.
As we continue to grow, we have added more venues, where matches will be played. Being associated with the Bank’s Futuremaker programme, we have identified league participants who have now become teachers, coaches, entrepreneurs and have also joined the Navy.
This would not have been possible without Standard Chartered’s unwavering support and commitment. Given what we have achieved, we hope to see this partnership flourish further.”
