Arooj Sohail Butt has made history by becoming the first-ever woman manager of the Pakistan Under-17 football team.
She was appointed by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).
Arooj Sohail Butt holds certifications from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as a qualified safeguarding officer.
PFF has said that this move reflects FIFA’s policy of giving equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of gender.
Social media celebrates Arooj Sohail Butt’s success
Her success was also celebrated on social media.
Landmark decision by PFF
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) August 10, 2025
PFF safeguarding officer Arooj Sohail Butt appointed as team manager of the men’s U-17 national side – the first woman in this role for a boys’ team in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/BBmzvhllMM
This historic move will inspire many women in Pakistan who are afraid to take such roles.
The Pakistan Under-17 football team has a busy year ahead. The squad will participate in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. They will also compete in the Asian qualifiers later this year.
The schedule for the SAFF U17 Football Championship has been announced, with arch-rivals India and Pakistan set to face off against each other on September 22, 2025.
The tournament features seven teams, divided into two groups: Group A and Group B.
Group A includes Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, whereas Group B features India, Pakistan, the Maldives, and Bhutan.
Pakistan’s U-17 football team will start their campaign against Bhutan on September 16 before facing off Maldives on September 19,
