The GCC Warriors Cup at the Education City World Cup Stadium in Doha, Qatar made history in April with the first-ever international girls’ competition organized by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Qatar Foundation (QF). This event brought together 20 teams from all six GCC countries, with over 200 girls born between 2009 and 2011 participating in what was the largest girls’ football competition ever hosted in the Gulf Region. The Junior Premier League GCC Warriors Cup Qatar (JPL GCC) began with an educational visit to the Qatar Foundation Headquarters, providing teams with valuable insight into QF’s mission, vision, and values, as well as the opportunity to capture the Doha skyline in the background.
Renowned academies like Juventus, Manchester City, and Southampton competed for the chance to win the “GCC Warriors Title.” PSG Academy Qatar’s 2011 team emerged victorious in the Trophy tournament final with a stellar performance against Juventus Oman in an exciting penalty shootout match. Rasha Mahfoud from PSG Academy’s 2009 team was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament. The JPL is dedicated to player development and innovation, providing premium football experiences for all participants. The Warriors Cup Qatar exceeded expectations as the first official football competition for many countries.
According to JPL CEO Martin Brock, hosting the tournament in a World Cup Stadium was a significant milestone for the Gulf. He expressed gratitude to Paris Saint-Germain and Qatar Foundation for making the event possible and looks forward to many more in the future. Technical Advisor Didier Domi emphasized the importance of empowering women in sports and providing them with the tools and facilities necessary to ignite their passion. The organization of the JPL GCC is seen as a positive step towards inspiring the younger generation and promoting women’s sports in the GCC region.
As the 2023-2024 season draws to a close, Paris Saint-Germain remains committed to pushing the boundaries of women’s sports in the GCC. Their vision is to continue identifying strategic ways to empower women and provide them with opportunities to excel in the world of sports. Through initiatives like the GCC Warriors Cup and the Junior Premier League, PSG and Qatar Foundation are working together to create a platform for girls to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and promote the development of women’s football in the region. The success of the JPL GCC and the impact it has had on the participants demonstrate the potential for growth and advancement in women’s sports in the Gulf.
