KARACHI: Standard Chartered has announced the launch of “Standard Chartered Karachi United Youth League” as part of its community service mandate to promote sports amongst children. The objective of the “Standard Chartered Karachi United Youth League” is to provide a platform for youth football teams from across Karachi to play together, break barriers and inculcate the spirit of competition. A total of twelve boys’ and seven girls’ teams are participating in the league which kicked off at Karachi United Stadium on 23rd September 2017. The final is scheduled to be held in mid December 2017. The boys’ league comprises of competition in three age groups (Under 12, 14 and 16 respectively). The format is based on a group system from which the top teams qualify for the quarter-finals. The competition also includes a girls’ tournament which will be held on a single league basis. The competition will see a total of 700 boys and girls from across Karachi as participants. In order to increase the standard of the league, official referees and match commissioners have been appointed for every match and awards for best player, top scorer, fair play and match officials will also be handed over. A total of 121 matches will be played in eight different locations including Old Golimar, Clifton, Malir, Baldia, Lyari, Korangi and Mauripur. Commenting on the sponsorship, Ms. Khadija Hashimi, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing said, “Standard Chartered is proud to partner with Karachi United for the Youth League. A unique league bringing communities together, we hope that the League enables healthy competition whilst being a unifying force that brings positivity and social benefits , making a positive difference to the long term development of our community. Standard Chartered has a long association with football and are proud to have brought another community initiative, Goal, which enables financial education through sport for adolescent girls, to Pakistan.” Imran Ali, CEO, Karachi United said: “We welcome and thank Standard Chartered’s partnership to promote sport and much needed competition for our Youth. We are particularly pleased with the scope of including a girls and multiple age groups for boys which means we are touching many more lives and families. In addition to football, we feel such forums are true enablers in helping bring about positive social change by driving values such as discipline, respect, team work and overall community development.” Published in Daily Times, October 10th 2017.