Liverpool fans promote football among U16s [Tribune]

Sports Correspondent – Express Tribune

KARACHI: The football fans found a way to promote the Liverpool FC culture in Karachi on Saturday.

Pak Reds, the official supporter’s branch of the Liverpool FC in Pakistan, held their first event in collaboration with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) at the Rahat Football Stadium.

The event featured 100 children from the under-privileged localities of Korangi and Maripur, while 32 Liverpool supporters and registered members of the Pak Reds educated the youth about the football tradition of Liverpool FC.

“Our purpose was to inculcate the same spirit of football in these young children as we see in Liverpool FC,” Pak Red founder Raheel Ahmed told The Express Tribune.

“This was a mentor program. On the other hand, it’s also about the values of Liverpool FC. It’s about the community, education, health, family and friends.”

Pak Reds were recognised as the official supporter’s branch of the Liverpool FC earlier this year. The motto for the club is to promote the culture of football in the community.

They began their first initiative with a 14-year-old boys’ program. The Pak Red members volunteered and trained the children, where the teenagers also received football gear.

Later, the coaches conducted training sessions and drills.

“We had fun,” said Muhammad Durrag, captain for TCF Maripur team. “We just learned some new techniques. I live in Lyari, and I know that I can do better if we have more matches and trainings like this one.”

Meanwhile, volunteer Emad Zafar said that this was just a beginning for the Pak Reds, while Amir Bilal said that the players in the camp had a lot of potential.

“This has been a great experience for me,” said Bilal. “I can say that these children have talent. They are a lot better than what we used to be when we were their age.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2013.