As part of the British Festival 2015, the British Council, Evolution Sports Academy and Qatar Football Association organised the HADAF 5-a-side schools Football Competition on 14 March 2015 at International School of London.
The HADAF 5-a-side schools Football Competition saw four Under-15 British Schools Teams playing against five under-15 Qatari Schools Teams in five a side football games. We aimed to create more engagement with Qatari schools through football, raise awareness around sports and healthy lifestyles and build relations with Qatari sports stakeholders. The schools that took part were: Omar Ibn Al-Kattab Independent Preparatory School, Salah Al-Din School, Al-Yarmouk School, Abu Obaida School, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq school, Doha College, International School of London, Doha British School, and Evolution Sports Academy. It was the biggest tournament yet and the final was between Doha College and Abu Bakr Al Siddiq Primary Independent School. The two teams played an intense final match, with Doha College eventually winning 3-2 to Abu Bakr.
What the students thought:
We asked some of the students if they enjoyed the event, who they support and what if they want to be football players when they’re older. Here is what they said:
Ben Fitton, Captain of Doha College:“I have been playing football since I was five years old. It has been really fun, there is a good atmosphere and it’s nice to have everyone watching you and play with lots of friends and all that. The level is good too.”
Mohammed al-Hajiri, Abu Bakr school: “The event was really well organised and clean. I love football, I play in a club and every day at school. I’m from Qatar and my dream is to play in the Qatar World Cup 2022. My favourite player is Messi, we play the same position – attack!”
Liam, Evolution Club: “I’m from Oregon originally and having a bunch of nationalities come together from all over the world to play football is really eye opening. I think we came out confident although its been a bit rough for us – the level is up there!”
Ollie Cook, Doha College: “I’m from Somerset in the UK. Qatar is fairly new to me and this event was good. I met people from lots of different nationalities and from other schools which was fun. I support teams from different countries actually – Liverpool because I have family there and Barcelona because they’re the best!”
Julian, International School of London: “I’m half French and half German. The teams are really good and playing against Doha College was tough. I only know like, four words in Arabic that friends taught me. I enjoyed the tournament and want to keep playing football – I only started playing about a year ago.”
Fahed, Yarmouk School: “It was a very nice event, and the organisation was good. I definitely want to be a player when I grow up. I’m from Egypt but have been in Qatar for 8 years now.”
