Tariq Lutfi conducts License D course

Coaching programme organised by women’s football pioneer Sadia Sheikh.


Natasha Raheel July 09, 2014

KARACHI: After struggling for three years, Diya Women Football Club founder Sadia Sheikh has finally managed to organise a three-day License D coaching programme successfully.

The football training programme, conducted by national coach Tariq Lutfi, has attracted 24 enthusiasts including officials and athletes from athletics, netball and basketball as well.

“We’ve finally managed to bring together coaches from different schools, colleges and clubs to benefit from the first official License D course,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune.



“I have been trying to organise this for over three years, but we didn’t have enough funds until now.

“I’m pleased that the participants include professionals as well as ambitious individuals like Faiz Ahmed, who is studying at the Southampton University and wants to be a Uefa coach someday.”

Sadia explained that the aim of the License D course is to spread basic education among professional coaches, who can later go to their own schools and train the children there.

She added that participation of people coming from other sports is a positive sign.

“Football is growing for sure. In fact, Lutfi has informed us that if any participants perform well, they will be selected to attend a License C course, which holds international significance.”

Sadia further said that the attendees are being charged a fee so that they realise the importance of the course and take it seriously. She thanked the Pakistan Football Federation and Lutfi for recognising the course and also praised Sindh Football Association President Khadim Ali Shah for pushing the case forward.

Also present among the participants is Qudsia Raja, who runs the Sports Awareness Programme in different schools and colleges and is a head instructor in Bahria Colleges.

“I’ve played and coached youngsters in badminton, table tennis, netball, basketball, athletics and throwball, but none have the same intensity as football,” said Qudsia.

“I’ve never played football before, but now that I’m receiving this training, I understand how engaging it is.

“I feel that this training is important, we need to educate ourselves about a game first before trying to spread it among the youth,” concluded Qudsia.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2014.

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