![Pakistan U17 football trials extended for SAFF event [The News]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pakistan-U17-team-trials-in-Islamabad-for-2025-SAFF-U17-Championship.jpg "Pakistan U17 football trials extended for SAFF event [The News]")
LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has in response to an overwhelming turnout of young footballers from across the country extended the trials for the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025.
Originally scheduled to conclude on August 13, the trials at Mehran Football Ground, Islamabad, will now continue until 6 PM on August 14, allowing selectors additional time to assess the talent pool.
The trials are being conducted under the supervision of Head Coach Nasir Ismail, who will oversee the shortlisting of 35 players by the end of the extended session. These players will then participate in a national training camp, from which the final 23-member squad will be selected to represent Pakistan in the regional tournament.
The SAFF U-17 Championship 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 15 to 27 at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pakistan has been drawn into Group B, alongside defending champions India, Maldives, and Bhutan.
The Green Shirts will begin their campaign against Bhutan on September 16, followed by matches against Maldives on September 19 and India on September 22. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on September 25, with the final set for September 27.
This year’s edition features seven teams split into two groups, and for Pakistan, the tournament represents a crucial opportunity to showcase its youth development progress.
The extended trials reflect the PFF’s commitment to merit-based selection and its broader strategy to revive football at the grassroots level. With renewed administrative focus and growing public interest, Pakistan’s U-17 squad will be closely watched as it aims to make a statement on the South Asian stage.