WNAM REPORT: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in close partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), successfully organized a high-impact football clinic for young girls under the theme “Building Bridges Through Sports.” Held at the Football Factory in Islamabad, the initiative exemplified the power of sports in fostering inclusion, resilience, and peaceful communities particularly among youth.
The event brought together over 35 football-playing girls, aged 14–18, from Islamabad Model College for Girls (F-6/2) and Islamabad Model College for Girls (I-10/4). The clinic aimed to inspire teamwork, leadership, and mutual respect through structured sporting activities serving as a platform for promoting social cohesion and preventing violent extremism (PVE) at the grassroots level.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Troels Vester, UNODC Country Representative in Pakistan, emphasized:
“At UNODC, we firmly believe that when young people especially young girls are given meaningful opportunities to participate, to lead, and to shape decisions that affect their lives, they become powerful agents of resilience against the forces of radicalization and violence.”
Representing NACTA, a senior official highlighted the importance of youth engagement and gender-responsive initiatives in achieving the goals of Pakistan’s National Policy on Preventing Violent Extremism (NPVE). They noted that community-based approaches particularly those involving sports and education are essential in cultivating peaceful, inclusive societies.
Her Excellency Ms. Henny Fokel de Vries, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pakistan, commended the initiative, stating:
“Sport has the extraordinary ability to unite, empower, and inspire. We are proud to support efforts that strengthen community ties and offer young people a safe and constructive outlet to thrive.”
The event featured Ms. Kayanat Bokhari, a professional footballer and youth mentor, who engaged directly with participants, sharing her personal journey as an athlete and encouraging the girls to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance. Her interaction provided a powerful role model for the aspiring players and highlighted the importance of visibility and mentorship in youth development.
The Football Clinic was made possible with the collaboration with Football Factory, founded by Faizan Sameer. The clinic included a range of engaging activities such as Freeze Tag with a ball, dribble relays, the Pass & Move Challenge, and small-sided matches. The day concluded with fun challenges including the Crossbar Challenge and Dribble Maze, followed by a group reflection session where participants shared their experiences of inclusion, discipline, and unity, lessons that extend far beyond the football pitch.
Through initiatives like “Building Bridges Through Sports,” UNODC, NACTA, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting youth empowerment, advancing gender inclusion, and preventing violent extremism through meaningful, community-centered engagement.
