The Qatar Community Football League (QCFL) is the ideal vehicle for social inclusion, community spirit and grassroots football development, according to one of the popular amateur competition’s organisers.
The competition, founded by Supreme Committee for Deliver and Legacy (SC), came to a conclusion at Aspire Dome on Friday evening, with ALYSJ FC defeating MTM in front of more than 300 spectators. Following its launch in 2016, the QCFL concluded its second season with more than 1,500 registered players, in 36 teams across three divisions.
Omar Saad, from the SC’s tournament delivery partner Evolution Sports, said the QCFL provided the perfect platform for people from all walks of life to play organised amateur football on a regular basis.
“The biggest gain from the QCFL is that it has brought together players from different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds,” he said.
Saad, a former coach at the Liverpool FC Academy, continued: “It has been fantastic to watch workers and bank managers meet and bond over a game of football. There have been many situations where strangers from different continents have come together in the same team and finished the season as friends.”
The pyramid league, built on a two-team promotion and relegation model, was founded as a 24-team tournament in 2016 as part of the SC’s commitment to grow the grassroots game across Qatar.
In addition to the three tiers, the 2017/18 edition of the QCFL also featured a knockout cup competition, with teams across the three divisions participating.
Another draw for grassroots players across Qatar has been the tournament’s access to Aspire’s world-class facilities, which were praised by cup winners ALYSJ SC and Premier League champions Nakheel Landscapes.
“My players are so excited at winning the cup. Competing in such amazing surroundings has boosted their confidence no end. Many of them are workers from developing nations and though immensely talented footballers they have had no previous access to such facilities before the QCFL came along. I have to thank the SC and Aspire for everything they have given my team.” (SC.qa)
ALYSJ coach Lazar Pavlovic (in blue) celebrates with his players after their win in the Qatar Community Football League at Aspire Dome.
