Soul Riders And Qatar Reds

Sara Al Abdulla, Qatar

My name is Sara Al Abdulla, I'm a Qatari student studying Sports Management at Loughborough University. I have grown up surrounded by football as my father and older brothers played for the Qatari first division team Al Rayyan and my mother is a hardcore Liverpool fan. I have memories of my family gathering in front of the TV as we watched my brother play and it’s one of my most vivid memories as a kid. I also played Junior Varsity in high school and competed against other schools around the GCC (Gulf) area.

Who is in the photos? Where were the photos taken? 

The football game and football fans was a Qatar Reds screening event in Lemon Cafe. Qatar Reds are an official Liverpool supporters’ group that organise screenings for Liverpool supporters in Qatar to come together and create a community feeling supporting the same football team. I took this photo during Liverpool’s game against Southampton when Jordan Henderson scored a goal, the atmosphere was so lively as the Qatar Reds jumped up, clapped and celebrated the goal. The woman in hijab is my mother who as I mentioned is a hardcore Liverpool fan. She is the first Qatari Chairwoman of the Qatar Reds and is constantly working to expand the supporters club and create events such as charity drives with the supporters. 

The indoor futsal was at Al Ahli indoor gym during a tournament set up by the Soul Riders, a bikers’ group in Qatar. Soul Riders and other biker groups have created football teams and set up this tournament to play against each other. I found it quite amazing how the bikers were able to come together to find another interest such as football and organise a tournament with 4 teams to play against each other. I sat behind the two women who were the score keepers of the whole tournament and was proud that even though this was a men’s futsal game, there were women involved in it. It was the first time I had seen that in a football tournament, especially in a men’s football tournament.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

With the Qatar Reds, I wanted to show the sense of community that they have created. Liverpool fans are spread all over the world. The special thing about the Qatar Reds is that they’ve collected together around 350 members to be part of a supporters’ group to come to the screenings either alone or with their families to support Liverpool during their matches. They have even created two different screening venues, one in a sports bar and one in a restaurant so that members can choose the venue they are most comfortable with.

With the Soul Riders tournament, I wanted to show that people in Qatar are really enthusiastic about football and how football can unite so many different people, personalities, and nationalities. Off the pitch they are all their own separate beings but, on the pitch, they come together as a team to share their love for this amazing sport. I know of a few groups that gather to play, such as pilots or teachers or supporters clubs, and Soul Riders are just one group of many. 

Are there any good stories connected with the people or teams you photographed? 

As I mentioned my mother is the chair of the Qatar Reds. She is originally from Liverpool but has lived most of her life in Qatar, she grew up supporting Liverpool and it's been amazing to watch her find a bridge that connects her love for Qatar with her love for Liverpool. Through the love of football and Liverpool, she was able to find and be a part of a community that share her love and support for the club.

What role does football play in Qatari society?

Football is the most popular sport in Qatar, there are so many venues and events related to football here. Almost any person you ask, both Qatari and expatriate, can somehow relate to the sport. It brings children from the neighbourhoods together as they play football outside and brings working people together to play games to relieve any stress from their workplace, let off steam, get fit or just connect over something other than work. There are so many options and opportunities to play football outdoors during the cooler months and indoors during the hotter months.

What changes are happening in Qatari football culture?

Qatar already has a huge passion for football but as the country develops more and more, the focus on health and sport is growing. The Qatari government is really motivating their people to take part in sport, even going so far as having a national sports day holiday.  Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is an organisation that was established in 2008 by Emiri Decree. AZF’s mission is focused on developing sports champions and promoting healthy lifestyles in Qatar. They contribute by providing a high-level sports environment and the support to upgrade sports talents by physical, scientific and educational disciplines to meet the needs of the Qatar society. Qatar’s National Vision 2030 includes developing the sports sector and AZF has been one of the main contributors to this development program. 

What is the most surprising or interesting part of Qatari football culture?

I think people would be surprised to know that football was first introduced to Qatar in the late 1940s and had a rapid development resulting in Doha Stadium, which was the first arena of its size with a grass pitch in the Gulf region. The stadium was built to accommodate competitive amateur games, and these started taking place at the site from the early 1950s. Slowly there has been an increase in stadiums and an increase of focus on football by the Qatar Government, ensuring that the population has the facilities necessary to play football. Football has been a way people from different parts of the world are able to connect through the sport. Whether people are watching a match in one of the many stadiums in Qatar or if a group of people organise a tournament, the sense of togetherness is obvious. 

Why is football so important for your community?

Despite the 40-degree heat, you can see people playing football outdoors as the weather conditions doesn’t stop them from playing. Recently, indoor football arenas have been built and are under a booking system that allows the public to book and play indoors away from the heat. Qatar is a huge melting pot of nationalities from all over the world, you don't need to be able to speak each other's language to play football together, you just need to enjoy the game.

What are the opportunities for female footballers in Qatar? 

I’m unsure of the professional opportunities for female footballers in Qatar at the moment but my high school Qatar Academy had a junior and varsity women's football team. We were in a tournament called NESAC where we travelled to other GCC countries to play against other high schools. The girls’ team were given the same opportunities as the boys’ team and we both trained and travelled to compete.

What does football mean to you?

Playing and watching football has been a big part of my life since I can remember. I competed in football tournaments with my high school and I watch the Liverpool and Qatar games on a weekly basis. Even though I don’t play football as often as I used to, I still smile every time I drive by the mosque next to my house and see the neighbourhood children playing outside shoeless, using rocks as their goal markings. I love the way the sport unites people and the sense of community it creates. 

What will be the biggest impact of the World Cup in 2022? 

I think the World Cup is going to give Qatar a chance to prove that despite the fact that Qatar is a relatively new country and they haven’t had enough time to have a ‘football history’ compared to other countries, they will be able to host an amazing World Cup. Hosting a mega event such as the World Cup will put Qatar on the map and allow people around the world to see this beautiful country the way I see it. It will hopefully break down barriers and help people overcome preconceived ideas they have about Qatar.

We are working hard on ensuring that this event is a memorable experience for every visitor, and I believe it will be and people will understand why Qatar earned their right to host the 2022 World Cup.

What is the future for football in Qatar?

I hope that the World Cup is going to act as a catalyst for football in Qatar. Not only do I believe that the interest and participation in football will increase locally, but I also believe that we will be trusted to host other football and sports events and hopefully make football history. People will be more educated and knowledgeable about Qatar and its culture, and we will build a bridge between cultures.