The inaugural Workers’ Cup has proved to be an important part of the community outreach programme, championed by Qatar Stars League and Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, to use football and sport as a tool for social and human development.
The tournament came to an end last Saturday with building supply specialists Al Andalus International becoming champions with a 1-0 win in an entertaining final against Atlantic Contractors.
The competition was part of a special programme of community events organised and endorsed by the QSL and Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, in partnership with Qsports Leagues.
Launched in February by Abdulrahman al-Dosari, chief of commercial for QSL, the programme was designed to build stronger links between the QSL and the communities it serves.
“I am very happy with the success and impact of the Workers Football Cup,” al-Dosari said.
“The interest generated and the number of people who participated and supported the competition is a great example of how we hope football can reach out to communities in Qatar.
“Hopefully we can continue to build on this sort of event to keep demonstrating football has a very important part to play in this country.”
The final was held at Al Arabi Sports Club after a thrilling 4-4 draw between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan.
After overseeing the tournament, Lucian Moldovan, sports consultant with organisers QSports Leagues, said: “This has been yet another successful tournament. The participation of teams and players was first class and the support they got from the sidelines was outstanding.
“This is the second tournament we have worked on with QSL and the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee. It has been a pleasure to be involved with the competition and help bring communities in Qatar closer to football.”
Saud al-Attiyah, legacy director for the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, said: “We are continuing to use football as a tool to improve people’s lives across every segment of society.”
“This tournament is a pilot programme and a small part of our legacy planning that demonstrates the power of football to improve individual livelihoods. By fostering healthy lifestyles through football, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is acting as a catalyst for positive change all over the country,” he added.
The Workers Football Cup was also designed to demonstrate that companies and their employees can work together to improve overall health and wellbeing through participation in sport.
