
05 Sep Build it and they will come… by a Doha Newbie
I arrived in Doha in January 2016 to start a new job role that involved me working with a range of International School across Qatar. My background and experience has always been very hands on with offering sports and educational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. With the worlds eyes on Qatar following the announcement of the 2022 World Cup I was keen to come and see what is currently offered and potentially be involved in shaping what I believe could be the legacy of the World Cup.
We are all extremely familiar with the benefits of hosting the largest sports event in the world but it is the benefits that you don’t see directly that interest me. Using my knowledge and experience from working within the English FA I am extremely keen to produce a football project that is on offer for anyone, anywhere at any time.
Over the last 8 months I have researched lots and lots of different sports companies here in Qatar. Some are extremely well established and offer great services, whereas there are many that I would say are not up to standard. The majority seem to always claim to have ‘world class’ coaches and ‘pro level sessions’. I decided to look deeper into these claims and was shocked to find that the people delivering these sessions were actually no more than a minimum qualified coach with limited experience. I was even more shocked to find out that the prices being charged and that they were oversubscribed. An obvious case of ‘Build it and they will come’.
The reason for my piece today is to hopefully help those who are looking for sports provision for themselves or their children in the evenings and weekends. I have put together a few key things to look out for before investing your money, time and child’s future with any sports provider.
- How long is your child physically active in the session? If they are always being spoken to by the coach or stood in lines are they actually learning?
We learn by doing, not by listening and standing in line. - Each session should be a direct link from the session before and work towards a curriculum, just as children do in school. It’s how people learn and develop.
- Sessions should be designed for all children, to challenge them and improve them.
- Is a positive learning environment being created which is safe, fun and learner friendly?
Please be careful when selecting where to place yourself, son or daughter. There are some very good deliverers here, but there are also some not so good. Do your research, as you would be choosing a school.
For me personally, I aim to be around for the next 6 years and hope to create something new and innovative for this area of the world. Creating football for all that can be looked upon as the World Cup Legacy. My plans mirror the European way of football and sports. Where participants of all ages can be involved in teams locally, by trained volunteers and not being charged astronomical amounts.
Wish me luck!
We try to keep this information up to date but if you notice that something needs updating then please contact us on update@wwhidoha.com