In April 2024, the “11 for Health in Pakistan” project, initiated by Mr. Farman Ullah, a Ph.D. candidate from Shanghai University of Sport (China), received formal approval from the Ministry of Education and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) in Islamabad. This initiative, set to be rolled out in primary and secondary schools in Islamabad, uses small-sided football games as a tool to teach schoolchildren about health knowledge, and to promote their long-term physical and mental well-being.
The “11 for Health” project, which was first started during the 2010 World Cup, has since expanded across several continents, including Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and Europe. This time, the Pakistani version of the “11 for Health” project is carried out in collaboration with Professor Peter Krustrup and Professor Malte Nejst Larsen from the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics at the University of Southern Denmark. Previously, Professor Peter Krustrup’s team promoted “11 for Health” in Denmark, reaching over 30,000 children across 400 schools.
After receiving approval from the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Mr. Farman Ullah and Dr. Tabasum Naz had extensive conversations about the project’s timeframe and school selection. Mr. Farman Ullah also communicated with Professor Ejaz Asghar Mughal from Health Services Academy (HSA) during the project application and FDE approval procedure. Dr. Ejaz permitted the HSA Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education to work together on this initiative. On May 6, the academy’s ethics committee also gave its approval to the “11 for Health in Pakistan” project.
The launch of this project marks a significant turning point for school sports and physical education nationwide in Pakistan. We eagerly anticipate the “11 for Health in Pakistan” project’s contribution to the health and happiness of more children.