Doha, Qatar – Registration is now open for the third annual Al Thumama Ramadan Football Tournament, a community sports initiative aimed at fostering youth development through competitive play. The tournament, exclusively for players aged 10-14, will be held at Al Furjan Stadium in the Al Thumama area, coinciding with the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Organizers announced details of the event during a press conference at the Ministry of Sports and Youth headquarters.
The Al Thumama Ramadan Football Tournament, organized in cooperation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, provides a unique platform for young footballers in Qatar. It is the only tournament of its kind specifically catering to the 2012-2016 birth year range. Registration closes on February 10th and is being handled through the Qatar Sports for All Federation application.
Growing Popularity of the Al Thumama Ramadan Football Tournament
The tournament has seen increasing demand since its inception, according to Hassan Al Ishaq, Head of the Organising Committee and Member of the Municipal Council. This year, organizers have received a higher number of participation requests, including interest from teams outside of Qatar. Al Ishaq noted the dedication of young players, who balance academic commitments with their passion for the sport.
Notably, a team from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country has expressed interest in competing, and a team from Gaza is expected to return for a second consecutive year. This demonstrates the tournament’s expanding reach and commitment to inclusivity. The event aims to promote youth sports and provide opportunities for young athletes to showcase their skills.
Tournament Format and Prizes
The tournament will feature a competitive format designed to encourage fair play and skill development. Winning teams will receive substantial cash prizes, with QR7000 awarded to the first-place team, along with a championship trophy and gold medals.
The second-place team will receive QR5000 and silver medals, while the third-place team will be awarded QR3000 and bronze medals. Individual achievements will also be recognized, with QR500 awarded to the best player, top scorer, and best goalkeeper. The team deemed the most sporting will receive a QR2000 prize.
Abdullah Al Dosari, Executive Director of the Qatar Sports for All Federation, highlighted the tournament’s significance as a launchpad for the 2026 neighborhood championships. He emphasized the federation’s ongoing commitment to community-based sports initiatives that serve diverse segments of Qatari society.
Al Dosari described the tournament as a successful model for utilizing local sports facilities to promote active lifestyles and identify emerging talent. Investing in these facilities is seen as crucial for fostering a stronger sports culture within Qatar’s communities. The focus on neighborhood-level competition is intended to broaden participation in football in Qatar.
The Al Thumama Ramadan Football Tournament aligns with Qatar’s broader national vision for sports development, which prioritizes grassroots participation and the cultivation of athletic potential. This tournament serves as a practical example of how community engagement can contribute to these goals.
Looking ahead, organizers will assess the feasibility of expanding the tournament to multiple editions per year, given the demonstrated interest. The final team list and tournament schedule are expected to be released shortly after the February 10th registration deadline. The level of participation from GCC countries and the continued involvement of the Gaza team will be key factors to watch as the tournament evolves.
The success of this event will likely influence future community sports programming in Qatar, potentially leading to similar initiatives focused on other sports and age groups.
