Reports on Uplift A Community Through Football

Project Report | Apr 17, 2026
Quarterly Progress Report - Uplift a Community

By Misbah Rasheed | Asst. Program Manager

During the reporting period, Karachi United continued to empower underserved communities through a holistic approach focused on youth development, education, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on supporting women and girls.

Key initiatives included mental health advocacy for female players, delivered in collaboration with a specialized organization to build resilience, address stress, and create safe spaces for dialogue around personal and social challenges. In parallel, the United for Women’s Health & Wellbeing initiative engaged female family members through community dialogue sessions, addressing critical topics such as sexual and reproductive health, early marriages, and the importance of girls’ participation in sports.

The program also strengthened efforts to increase female participation in football by providing safe, inclusive environments where girls can regularly train, build confidence, and develop peer connections.

Through these integrated efforts, the program continues to break social barriers, foster community support, and empower girls with the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities needed to grow both on and off the field.

Mental Health Support for Women in Sport

Mental Health support for male athletes

United for Women's Health & Wellbeing

Links:

Attachments:

Quarterly Progress Report (PDF)

10 Attachments

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Dec 17, 2025
Progress Report - Uplift a Community - Dec 2025

By Misbah Rasheed | Asst. Program Manager

Mental Health Support for Women in Sport

During the reporting period, Karachi United implemented a series of integrated, gender-responsive activities aimed at improving women’s health, mental wellbeing, and holistic development through sport. The activities below reflect the organization’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces that combine health education, psychosocial support, and regular sports engagement for women and girls from marginalized communities.

1. Uniting for Women’s Health and Wellbeing (SRHR Component)
Karachi United, in collaboration with the Al-Basma Foundation, implemented the United for Women’s Health and Wellbeing project with a strong focus on women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The project reached 100 adolescent girls from marginalized communities in Karachi, using football as a platform to promote health awareness, wellbeing, leadership, and life skills through safe play spaces and mentorship.

2. Mental Health Support for Women in Sport
Under the same project, and in continued collaboration with Saviara, Karachi United conducted mental health and holistic wellbeing sessions for female athletes. These sessions focused on stress recognition and management, addressing gender-based challenges, and strengthening emotional resilience and confidence within a supportive sports environment.

3. Women’s Football Training & Sports Engagement
Karachi United provided weekly football coaching sessions for women, ensuring consistent sports participation as part of a holistic development approach. The training sessions fostered physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, and sustained engagement in sport, while creating safe and inclusive spaces that support women’s empowerment and gender equality objectives.

Collectively, these activities demonstrate Karachi United’s integrated approach to gender empowerment through sport, where physical activity is combined with health education and psychosocial support.

Mental Health Support for Women in Sport

Women's Football Training & Sports Engagement

United for Women's Health & Wellbeing

Links:

Attachments:

Quarterly Progress Report (DOCX)

7 Attachments

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Aug 20, 2025
Progress Report - Uplift a Community - Aug 2025

By Misbah Rasheed | Assistant Program Manager

Coach Development Through Mental Health Advocacy

This quarter, Karachi United continued its mission of empowering youth and communities by combining football with education, life skills, mental health advocacy, and creative expression. Each initiative reflected KU’s commitment to holistic development and inclusivity both on and off the pitch.

1. Emotional Intelligence & Psychological Safety

As part of its focus on coach development and capacity building, Karachi United organized three interactive training sessions in collaboration with Savaira, a mental health advocacy organization. These sessions equipped coaches with tools to strengthen coach-athlete relationships, enhance mental health literacy, and recognize signs of performance anxiety, burnout, or distress in young players. Coaches also learned practical emotional regulation strategies to better support player well-being.

2. Engaging Afghan Refugee Girls in Football

Karachi United engaged Afghan refugee girls in structured football coaching and sports education, creating a safe platform for them to learn, play, and grow. The initiative focused not only on developing football skills but also on fostering teamwork, confidence, leadership, and resilience. For many participants, this was their first exposure to organized sports, breaking barriers and offering opportunities for empowerment and self-expression.

3. Girls’ Tournament of Purpose & Possibilities

Karachi United hosted a special tournament that brought together girls from diverse backgrounds. Alongside competitive matches, the event included life skills sessions that sparked confidence and a message wall where participants shared their dreams and voices. The tournament celebrated inclusion, teamwork, and resilience—creating a day of purpose, play, and powerful moments where barriers fell and friendships grew.

4. Promoting Literacy & Arts in Communities

Karachi United engaged community players in literacy and arts programs designed to strengthen reading, writing, and creative expression. Through storytelling, drawing, and interactive activities, participants developed communication skills and confidence beyond the football pitch. This initiative highlights Karachi United’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals by combining sport, education, and creativity for community development.