The Girls Of Al Sadd
Kinda Turki, Qatar
I am Kinda Turki from Al-Hasakah in Syria. I have played in the Al Jazeera Sports Club women’s team, and I also played for the Syrian women’s national team in 2009/10, including at the 2010 Arabia Women's Cup. I came to Qatar in 2011. Currently I am working with Aspire Academy as a football coach and scout. I have worked as a coach for Al-Gharafa Sports Club, Al Sadd Sports Club football academy, Qatar Sports Club football academy, and I am working as a coach for the Generation Amazing program. I have an AFC (A) Coaching License.
Who is in the photos? Where were the photos taken?
Two girls were playing football, one from Al Sadd girl’s academy (in black) and the second one from Evaluation Academy (in red). It was a friendly game between these two academies. I tried to show the meaning of fair play and sportsmanship.
A group of neighbourhood kids were using a small space to play football with random shirts, no uniforms, no one who officiate the game or interfere in the kid’s decision making. It shows the spontaneity of these kids to live their passion in football and how football can be played with very simple tools and equipment.
Most photos were of grassroots players from Al Sadd SC Academy at the club training field - shooting a penalty kick, shooting with their coach, or kicking the ball with a special technique.
Are there any good stories connected with the people or teams you photographed?
A goalkeeper in the Al Sadd football academy. I could feel his passion and happiness at playing football from his face, I also liked his complete football uniform and his confidence. It was so spontaneous. I like the background, which shows a lot of kids playing on a lot of organized football fields. I saw him several times - he plays every position perfectly, sometimes as an outfield player, sometimes as a goalkeeper. I have heard he was suffering from an injury so when he came back to play, he was so hungry to play all the positions and wanted to do everything.
What role does football play in Qatari society?
Football role here in Qatar is so important because it is one of the main ways to create a positive environment for the young boys and girls. It is a good and healthy way for entertainment.
What changes are happening in Qatari football culture?
Qatari football culture has witnessed a lot of changes especially during the last few years. Society looks on football now as having big value to represent the country and a good way to inspire the young boys and girls.
What is the most surprising or interesting part of Qatari football culture?
The Qatari people have had a lot of talented football players, but many unfortunately quit early for social or economic reasons.
Why is football so important for your community?
Football is the best activity to entertain young boys and girls in a healthy way. Also, it is a sort of protection for the youngster to prevent them from bad behaviour. By hosting the World Cup in 2022 the community has a very important job to be a football community, because having a football community is a big factor to be successful in hosting football events.
What are the opportunities for female footballers in Qatar?
The opportunity for females to play football in Qatar is getting bigger and bigger. Some clubs formed girls’ teams and there is already an Under 14 girls’ national team. On the other hand, there are a lot of football academies for girls, so in the future I think that female football in Qatar will definitely improve.
What does football mean to you?
Football for me is a way to live, everything in my life is related to football. Family, friends, and my passion is all about football. It was a great way to discover myself more and more. In the end it is a profession and a passion.
What will be the biggest impact of the World Cup in 2022?
The biggest impact for the Qatari community will be to feel the importance of football and this event. They will see with their own eyes the value of football to the world and the effect of football on their country. The World Cup is an extraordinary opportunity for the Qatari people to show their passion for football.
What is the future for football in Qatar?
I can see a bright future for football in Qatar because the success factors are in place from the facilities and potentials. Football has support from all the influential parties in the country.
