A Goal to Dream Football Festival 2026: Successfully Concludes in Islamabad

Islamabad, Pakistan — A three-day football festival titled “A Goal to Dream Football Festival 2026” was successfully organized in Islamabad by PPG Sports in collaboration with the Islamabad Football Association (IFA), bringing together young female footballers from across the country.

At the start of the event, a dedicated female referees workshop was also conducted to train and prepare women officials, marking an important step toward strengthening women’s participation in football officiating.

The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams representing Yasin Valley Gilgit Baltistan and Layyah, alongside local teams from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The primary objective of the event was to provide a platform for emerging female footballers to showcase their talent and promote the growth of women’s football in Pakistan.

As part of the festival experience, participating girls were also taken on a special guided tour of Islamabad aboard a double-decker bus, allowing them to explore the capital city and enjoy a memorable off-field experience alongside the sporting event.

President of PPG Sports, Yasir Rehman, stated that such initiatives not only contribute to the development of sports but also empower young girls to pursue their dreams with confidence. Chairman PPG Sports, Meher Naveed Ahmed, emphasized that “A Goal to Dream” is more than just a football festival—it is an effort to turn the dreams of these young athletes into reality, with a commitment to continue creating such opportunities in the future.

The event was held under the supervision of Regional Development Officer Pakistan Football Federation, Shoukat Ali Khan, who highlighted the importance of grassroots initiatives in strengthening the future of football in the country.

Chief Guest Agha Jarar appreciated the increasing participation of women in sports, calling it a positive and encouraging shift. He noted that platforms like this play a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talent.

President Islamabad Football Association, Sheikh Rehan Ahmad, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting women’s football, while General Secretary IFA, Zaman Khan, described the festival as a valuable opportunity for young players to gain exposure and experience.

PSB Football Coach and former international footballer Asad Ali praised the performance and dedication of the players, stating that the tournament showcased promising talent that could represent Pakistan at higher levels in the future.

At the closing ceremony, distinguished guests distributed prizes among the players. Participants expressed their excitement, sharing that the festival was not only a competitive tournament but also a dream opportunity to visit Islamabad, explore the city, and play on a bigger stage.

A unique highlight of the event was that the referees and organizing staff were entirely female, demonstrating strong leadership and the growing role of women in sports management.

The successful execution of the festival marks another significant step toward promoting women’s football in Pakistan and inspiring the next generation of athletes.