Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Foundation is empowering young female footballers to dream big and pursue their passion for the sport. And with the Education City Stadium becoming a hub for sports clubs and organisations, it is helping to nurture a new generation of female athletes who are breaking barriers and leading by example.
Reflecting this, Qatar Foundation (QF) has played host to the largest football tournament for girls in the GCC: the Junior Premier League GCC Warriors Cup Qatar. Organised by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in partnership with QF and the Junior Premier League, the two-day event was held at the Education City Stadium and brought together girls from schools across the region, including Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
Among the girls who competed in the tournament was 14-year-old Rasha Mahfoud from Lebanon, who joined PSG Academy Qatar – a local football programme - three years ago. Mahfoud says: “My experience playing in a World Cup stadium was amazing. Being in that type of environment and seeing so many girls playing football was inspiring.”
Speaking about what she hopes to achieve in the future, she says: “I have received a lot of support from the people around me, especially my family, to continue playing football. And I hope one day to be able to play professionally in Europe as well as represent my home country.”
Maryam Al Yossouf, a 14-year-old Qatari player, who also joined PSG Academy Qatar at the age of 11 and competed in the tournament, says: “From an early age, I have had a deep love for football. Whether watching matches with my cousins and brother or simply enjoying the game, my passion for football has remained steadfast.”
Like Mahfoud, Al Yossouf enjoyed being able to compete in a stadium that hosted FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches. She embraced the opportunity to showcase her skills on a renowned stage and the tournament has become a cherished memory.
“The Education City Stadium is a beautiful venue, and playing in a tournament here was a wonderful experience – made particularly special as it was a World Cup venue,” she says.
Asya Hassan Al-Thani, an 11-year-old Qatari girl who started playing football at a young age, joined PSG Academy Qatar earlier this year. Speaking about the experience of participating in the tournament, she says: “It was amazing, I have never felt anything like it.”
“I do not see a lot of girls doing this sport - I only have one girl classmate that plays football, other than my friends at PSG. But I don’t think this game is only for boys – nothing should stop us from doing what we love. My dream is to become a professional player.”
