local football league

joewilliams
By joewilliams

Hello,

One of my job's at the Qatar Tribune is to look into covering local football. I'm going along tonight to watch Sadd v Shemal and
Arabi v Khor and for a start and have rinsed the net trying to research it. Basically, I wondered if anyone takes an interest, goes to games etc. If so, please get in touch so I can get to grips better with how the whole scene operates and maybe get fan/spectator reactions etc for possible match reports.

Cheers.

Joe

By joewilliams• 9 Sep 2006 21:56
joewilliams

Yeah, don't miss getting to home games! Most of my family's still in the midlands though so my Aunt often takes me and my cousins up there in her car. Only in Coventry would they build a football station and 'forget' about transport....

...well, nearly. Traffic's a right bundle of joy here, isn't it? Doesn't even seem to be any pattern to it.

Just got back from the Al Gharafa Al Rayyan game. Not a bad match either, Gharafa the much better team though. Sitting with the Arab journos is key, they know what's going on.

Yeah, let us know. Al Sadd on at 830 next Friday. Felipe, Emerson, this local kid Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan are all well worth a look.

Cheers,

Joe

Joe Williams

[email protected]

By feelreal• 9 Sep 2006 18:12
feelreal

I am definately up for going to an Al Sadd game, may well be in touch...

By gefs• 9 Sep 2006 14:31
gefs

coventry city oh my!!! well u'll certainly get better attendances there. If the traffic was better imsure more people may attend here. Is it free??

On the other hand tho, there is not much going on in Cov, and taking the bus from Pool Meadow to Nuneaton to watch the game is not a bad days field trip eh?

By joewilliams• 9 Sep 2006 14:10
Rating: 4/5
joewilliams

Thanks, everyone.

Went along last night. Very poor first game, with Al Shamal not standing much of a chance against Al Sadd. Second game much better, a close 2-1 including a spectacular own goal.

There can't have been more than 500 people there. Having said that, the crowds were fascinating. Al Sadd had a good following, very loud and coordinated, with Al Shamal having virtually none. Al Arabi and Al Khor both had decent support, trying to out sing each other. I was really impressed that Al Khor seemed to be keeping bagpipes going all game, until I realised that it was obviously some stereo being played! Al Arabi had the loudest overall support. At half time some Aussie's started dancing about with their flag. I was the other side of the ground but it all looked quite good fun.

The Arab journos were very helpful with players etc. Cobbeling together match reports today.

I'm going again tonight, if anyone's planning to, drop us a line. It's not a bad way to spend an evening. Having said that, I'm used to following Coventry City at London fixtures so I don't have the highest of footballing standards!

Cheers,

Joe

Joe Williams

[email protected]

By AKS• 9 Sep 2006 13:56
AKS

Well, it's kind of hard to know what games are on when with the somewhat eccentric scheduling and the lack of advertising. The link below should help:

http://www.qatarolympics.org/topics/index.asp?g=2F341E13-CEDB-42B9-9DB1-01DBBB9E4E2C

By Rock The Casbah• 9 Sep 2006 13:45
Rock The Casbah

miss my football. I used to go every Saturday when I was back in Scotland. I have tried to find out more about the football here but with no success. I would love to start watching some of the games here especially with the players, albeit ones in the prime of their career, that are on display.

By killerbee_qa• 8 Sep 2006 17:44
killerbee_qa

or just idle folk waiting for City Center to start hopping!

By e46M3• 8 Sep 2006 17:43
e46M3

They pretty much are.

After the prizes and such.

By killerbee_qa• 8 Sep 2006 17:40
killerbee_qa

Well a handful wouild describe it better! And wonder if they're rent-a-crowd!

By e46M3• 8 Sep 2006 17:34
e46M3

What crowds?

I'd like to see you guys print the attendance of these games.

By killerbee_qa• 8 Sep 2006 17:27
Rating: 5/5
killerbee_qa

Mostly local interest in the clubs here. best thing is to hang with the Arabic paper journalists, they are pretty helpful if caught in a rut and help you with team sheets etc.

language though may be a problem with crowd reactions but worth a shot!

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.