October 3 – With the support of FIFA, the Football for Schools project has concluded in Qatar, with a seminar programme focussed on women in the sport.
Announced by Project Director Fatimata Sidibe last December in the wake of the FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, the project aims to make football more accessible to young people by incorporating football activities into the education system.
The Generation Amazing Foundation, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education all played a part in the project, which was piloted by Football for Schools and FIFA.
Spread over two days, the seminar offered an opportunity for educators to improve their skills, and the chance to become spokespersons for positive change in their respective regions of the country.
“Capacity-building” was the core theme of the seminar which was attended 40 female physical education teachers from the area.
“This is an important step towards closing the gender gap in sport, thanks to the FIFA Football for Schools programme,” said Sidibe. “Together with our partners, we see this seminar as a door-opener for women in the field of sports development, which we sincerely hope this kind of opportunity will multiply.”
“The Qatari government allocated the stadium exclusively to women who want to play football, allowing women and girls to practice their sport in complete peace of mind,” explained Alexandra Chalat, who is in charge of World Cup Legacy at the Qatar Foundation.
“These types of workshops, training programmes and events are exactly what we aspire to offer at Education City Stadium. This spectacular venue is becoming a dedicated centre for women’s sport in Qatar, as part of the legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” added Abeer Al-Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education at the Qatar Foundation.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734977292labto1734977292ofdlr1734977292owedi1734977292sni@g1734977292niwe.1734977292yrrah1734977292