A week’s training at a Sports Leadership School has given a 17-year-old confidence to lead his local football club in Punjab province, Pakistan.

It also gave him the opportunity to consider what it means to be a Christian, and led to him making a personal commitment to Jesus.

Sameer comes from Khewra, a city known for having the second-largest salt mine in the world. His father is a low-waged street sweeper but an older brother works as an electrician, supporting Sameer and two other siblings to complete their education at school.

“At first, Sameer struggled to enjoy the experience and even considered leaving,” says Stephen John, who runs Life Through Sports. “But after a one-to-one mentoring session, his outlook changed. He completed the program and he accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour.

“Now he is continuing his studies while leading his local football team, Donnot FC. He is eager to serve again this year in the Sports Leadership School, and to help others as he was once helped.”