Young Players Shine as Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament Begins

The third edition of the Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament commenced on March 15, 2024, at Al Furjan Stadium in Doha, Qatar. This annual event has quickly become a significant platform for young football talent, showcasing players aged 10 to 14, specifically those born between 2012 and 2016.

Organised in collaboration with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, the tournament aims to nurture grassroots talent in an environment that emphasizes competition, education, and personal development. The event has gained notable momentum over its first two years, drawing increased community participation and engagement.

Focus on Youth and Community Engagement

Hassan Al Ishaq, the Chairman of the Organising Committee and a member of the Municipal Council, confirmed that all preparations for this year’s tournament are complete. He expressed enthusiasm for continuing the event’s legacy of promoting youth participation in sports, alongside values such as sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork.

The opening night featured three matches scheduled to start at 20:00. The first game saw Doha face off against Turki Bin Abdullah, followed by a match between Al Wajba and Al Zaeem. The evening concluded with a highly anticipated match where Al Rayyan took on the hosts, Al Thumama.

Throughout the tournament, which runs for several days, three matches will be held daily at Al Furjan Stadium. This year’s competition includes 13 teams divided into two groups. Group A consists of Doha, Turki Bin Abdullah, Al Wajba, Al Zaeem, Al Rayyan, and Al Thumama, while Group B features Al Dafna, Al Shaab, Al Waab, Medical Care, Palestine, Abu Nakhla, and Al Shahaniya.

High Interest and Community Impact

The tournament attracted considerable interest, with 39 teams expressing their desire to participate. Following a technical review, 26 teams were excluded for not meeting the necessary requirements, leaving 13 teams to compete in this year’s event.

Al Ishaq praised the robust community engagement and the support from the federation, highlighting the tournament’s goal of enhancing community sports and transforming local playgrounds into safe, inviting spaces for children. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader vision of developing young sporting talent and fostering a culture of active participation in sports.

As the tournament unfolds, it promises to spotlight the skills of young athletes while fostering a sense of community and enthusiasm for football in Qatar.