Youth-led football teams from across the globe, representing some of the world’s most vulnerable children, flew with Qatar Airways to participate in a sporting tournament with a call for change – The Street Child World Cup Doha 2022.
In partnership with Qatar Foundation, the event was held at Oxygen Park between 7 to 15 October and brought together 28-teams representing 25 countries and provided a platform to champion the rights of street connected youth.
Qatar Airways cabin crew celebrated with the winners of the Girls and Boys tournaments, claimed by Team Brazil and Team Egypt respectively. Street Child United (SCU) – the parent organisation of the event, hosted the fourth edition of the Street Child World Cup in Doha after previously hosting successful tournaments in Durban (2010), Rio de Janeiro (2014) and Moscow (2018). In addition, Qatar Airways sponsored the event attended by over 280 young people to experience a week of art and cultural exchanges, a child-friendly congress, and championed the power of football.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is honoured to connect cultures by uniting young people through the power of football. The beautiful game teaches the youth self-confidence and lifelong friendships while also paving the way for a bright future by opening worldwide opportunities. Supporting this tournament allows us to leave a lasting legacy ahead of the FIFA World CupTM here in Qatar and with the children across the globe.”
Street Child United’s Founder and CEO, Mr. John Wroe, said: “We are delighted to have Qatar Airways as our Official Airline Partner helping us bring our 28 teams from 25 countries together in Qatar. For the majority of our young people, this will be their first time leaving their home country. Their first time on a plane! To have Qatar Airways support their life-changing journey to the Street Child World Cup is something we are extremely grateful for.”
Beyond the seven-a-side format competition, the Street Child World Cup aims to inspire participants to become resourceful role models within their communities and for young people globally. The art festivities of the event included mural displays, performances, and exhibitions. The young people also experienced local community engagements through school visits across Doha.
As FIFA’s Official Airline Partner since 2017, Qatar Airways has sponsored mega events including the 2019 and 2020 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup™, and the FIFA Arab Cup™, all of which were hosted in Qatar. The airline is eagerly anticipating the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – the first in the Middle East – and offering a seamless journey from more than 150 destinations across the globe to fans attending this world-class event.
