The Qatar Community Football League
Kings Edwin, Qatar
My name is Kings Edwin and I am 28 years old. I have lived in Qatar for three years. I am a Kenyan photojournalist and sports photographer working in Qatar. In Qatar I have met a group of footballers from Kenya and other parts of Africa – I am playing and now volunteer within the Qatar Community Football League here in Doha. It is an exciting part of my life in Doha.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
I tried to share activities of communities of expatriates living in Doha, sharing their football culture and lifestyle. The Qatar Community Football League is a recreational 11-a-side league, sponsored by Aspire Zone (AZF) and The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). Games are played at the world class Aspire facilities in Qatar on two grass floodlit pitches, from Sunday to Wednesday evenings. The league is played from October to April with a cup competition included.
What is your favourite photo? Why?
Parkhouse Caledonia FC is an amateur football club in Doha playing in the Qatar Community Football League (QCFL). It was lovely to see Parkhouse Caledonia FC get crowned QCFL 2018-19 Champions. I don't play with them, but I have watched them play for a long time now. It is interesting that they are amateur footballers but play as well as most of the teams in QCFL.
What role does football play in Qatari society?
Football has brought people together. Either as a player or as a photographer working in Qatar, I have found a group that I hang out with almost every weekend. The World Cup is about to bring more of that family together.
What changes are happening in Qatari football culture?
When you hear the word football, Europe comes into mind. Either La Liga, the English Premier League or UEFA Champions League. In truth, there is little known by outsiders in terms of Qatari football culture. But there is so much to get a taste of. It's wild, vibrant, and ever growing.
Weekends used to be for desert safaris, but now here in Doha parks are filled with football activities and stadiums are buzzing. And bars are filled with people cheering their teams. From local games to big leagues in the Europe, Qatari fan culture is part of life here.
There is a lot happening in Qatar now for World Cup preparations. From stadiums to metro infrastructure to the expansion of Hamad International Airport. There is so much happening.
What is the most surprising or interesting part of Qatari football culture?
The Emir Cup is a big thing in Qatar. With a huge fanbase such as for Al Sadd versus Al-Duhail. I have never seen such big local fanbases for clubs like Al Sadd.
Are there any good stories connected with the people or teams you photographed?
I loved to see this young Manchester United fan in the Middle East. The passion for football in this part of the world is huge.
Why is football so important for your community?
Football is uniting and brings people together. For fitness, for health, for recreation. It is just awesome.
What will be the biggest impact of the World Cup in 2022?
The biggest impact of the 2022 World Cup will be that there will never be another phenomenal FIFA World Cup like Qatar. It will be amazing and will leave a lot to be desired for.
What is the future for football in Qatar?
The future of football in Qatar continues to be bright. A lot of players from La Liga are heading to Qatar. Xavi and Eto’o are both world-famous players that have played here in Qatar. PSG is sponsored by Qatar. The future is great. The facilities in a few years’ time will be like no other.
