A volunteer-run football club in Islamabad is quietly reshaping the landscape of Pakistani football by developing grassroots talent that is now making an impact on the national stage. POPO Football Club, based at the F-11 Multipurpose Ground and spearheaded by founder Haris “Popo” Haroon, has become a key talent pipeline for the country despite limited resources and infrastructure.
The club’s work was thrust into the spotlight after Pakistan’s historic 1-0 victory over Cambodia in the 2025 World Cup Qualifiers, where five of the players on the pitch were products of POPO FC’s youth development system. Over the past two years, the club has produced 36 international players for Pakistan across various age groups, including captains of the Under-19 and Under-17 national teams.
Unlike many elite academies, POPO FC charges no fees and operates through a network of volunteer support and donations, providing free training, accommodation and education pathways for promising players from across Pakistan. A hostel in E-11, Islamabad currently houses 44 of the club’s 80-player roster, with education and football training integrated into the development programme.
Under the guidance of an AFC pro-licensed coach, and backed by assistance from academic and community partners, the club emphasises a holistic approach — preparing athletes both on the pitch and academically. Leaders of the club say that with plans for a national football league, the influence of grassroots organisations like POPO FC could expand further, deepening Pakistan’s football talent base.