Sports

‘Football is ‘a powerful marketing tool’

‘Football is ‘a powerful marketing tool’

November 13, 2012 | 12:00 AM

Sports Reporter/Doha

Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani visiting the ASPIRE4SPORT Expo yesterday
The Qatar Stars League is using the ASPIRE4SPORT exhibition to demonstrate how football can help businesses reach their potential.Major personalities and figures from the world of sport are in Doha this week for the annual exhibition.The gathering is the chance for world-leading figures in all areas to discuss the latest trends, technologies and breakthroughs. As a major strategic partner of the four-day conference, the QSL will show how football can be used to deliver key messages of major businesses.“There is no marketing tool more powerful than football right now,” said Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Ahmed al-Thani, President of the QSL.“As the most popular sport the world over, thousands of brands, messages and images are streamed daily around the globe and directly reach millions of supporters – your potential customers!”ASPIRE4SPORT is the perfect Business to Business platform for ambitious companies to find a platform for growth through sport.It will be in the Aspire Dome this week the QSL aims to demonstrate to potential partners there has never been a better time to join forces.The decision of former Real Madrid superstar Raul to sign for league leaders Al Sadd demonstrates the calibre of player this league is capable of attracting. The thrilling start to the 2012/13 season has already proved how competitive Qatar’s top professional league is.All this has been done with the aim of developing and supporting professional football in Qatar whilst also promoting its technical performance. That is the mission driving the QSL every day.The QSL are already committed to creating better teams, passionate fans and first-class entertainment – now they want to find commercial partners who are just as driven to be part of Qatar’s football vision.Every week the QSL invests in a number of initiatives to improve the match-day experience for fans.Supporters who purchase tickets for games have the chance to win two Toyota cars and other fantastic prizes. The tickets which could win you a brand new car are getting easier to buy, with online and print-at-home ticketing already in operation and mobile ticketing soon on-stream.The QSL also engages in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system which enables fans to register online with QSL and their favourite club to receive personalised communications to their e-mail or mobile phone.There is also a revamped QSL Loyalty Programme to reward fans and a Community Programme to encourage football passion in the anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2022.While professional football is the core focus of the QSL, the Community Programme also undertakes a number of social initiatives and engages with key community partners.These include unique partnerships with Qatar Charity and Lekhwiya Academy.  School workshops that help educate and inspire the next generation of footballers.For any company who wishes to be part of the QSL’s exciting journey, we can also offer top-class broadcast rights.All games are shown live on Al Kass and Al Kass+1, the QSL’s broadcast partner, with both Arabic and English match commentaries and studio analysis available. The Qatar Stars League is determined to manage the youth and grassroots development in football in collaboration with the QFA.  They are committed to undertake a campaign to raise the profile of  competitions, clubs, players and commercial partners. The benefits of becoming a commercial partner of the QSL include:• High profile and season long advertising and branding campaign• TV, press, social media and digital exposure• LED advertising and in stadium presence• Access to players, officials and coaches of QSL teams• Match tickets• VIP hospitality• Major events participation.With seven different exhibition zones there will be more opportunities than ever before – especially in the flourishing QSL.

 

November 13, 2012 | 12:00 AM