Introduction
Saud Yousaf is one of the most dynamic figures shaping Pakistan’s football landscape today. A former footballer with 17 years of playing experience and a professional background in Marketing and Operations Management, he has combined his passion for the game with entrepreneurial drive to establish platforms that are changing the way football is developed in the country. From founding The Grassroots Foundation (TGF) to co-founding both Islamabad City FC and SA Gardens Football Club, his journey is about vision, resilience, and a relentless belief that football can transform lives—especially for underprivileged youth.
Early Life and Education
Saud’s footballing journey began as a player, where he spent nearly two decades experiencing the highs and lows of the sport at a local level. Parallel to his football career, he pursued his academic path, graduating in Marketing and Operations Management in 2021. To further strengthen his technical expertise, Saud acquired international coaching certifications, including the UEFA Technical Drive Certification and the AFC C Futsal License in 2022. These qualifications gave him both credibility and practical frameworks for building structured development programs in Pakistan.
The Grassroots Foundation (TGF)
- Mission: To create equal access to football for talented but underprivileged children.
- Holistic Model: TGF combines technical football training, fitness, education, and mentorship, ensuring that young players grow both on and off the pitch.
- Impact: In just six months, TGF had six players selected for Pakistan’s U-17 national team for the SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka—an unprecedented achievement that validated its model.
With a team of 20 employees, structured policies, and a growing pool of young talent, TGF has positioned itself as a pipeline for national and international football opportunities.
SA Gardens Football Club
- Reached the Final of the Challenge Cup – Pakistan’s biggest and most competitive football tournament.
- Achieved consistent success in All-Pakistan Football Tournaments – showcasing the club’s growing reputation nationwide.
- Excelled in national futsal competitions – highlighting versatility and technical development across formats.
Through these achievements, SA Gardens has established itself as one of the country’s most exciting football projects, blending grassroots development with top-level competitive ambition.
Expanding Roles in Pakistani Football
Alongside SA Gardens, Saud is also the Co-Founder of Islamabad City FC, a project aimed at building a strong club identity, youth development structure, and pathways for players in the capital city. These parallel roles allow him to influence both grassroots football and competitive club football, ensuring sustainability across the ecosystem.
Philosophy and Vision
Saud’s guiding belief is that football can be a pathway to education, opportunity, and dignity for thousands of children in Pakistan. His approach is holistic—training young players in technical skills, discipline, and fitness while also emphasizing personal growth, mentorship, and exposure to the world.
His long-term vision is to build a global-level football foundation in Pakistan, one that can compete with elite academies abroad and serve as a pipeline for professional clubs and national teams.