QF programme to narrate FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 experience

Aspiring storytellers will be given the opportunity to showcase their perspectives of Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through a new programme, GOALS, being organised by Qatar Foundation (QF), the Generation Amazing Foundation, The Sports Creative, Goal Click, and Al Salam International.

GOALS, launched this week, will see selected storytellers – who range from workers and students to artists and football coaches – tell inspiring stories of football culture and community in Qatar through photography, written and spoken word, and video.

The storytellers, chosen in collaboration with the QF and Generation Amazing, represent more than 18 nationalities.

“This project will allow people from across the country to narrate their experience of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 journey – from the initial announcement to the event itself,” said QF communications officer Mayan Zebeib. “The aim is to showcase what this whole experience means to them, to their communities, and to the nation.”

The stories will be displayed within the QF’s Education City and other locations during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

And following the tournament, the exhibition will tour key global cities and major events in 2023, sharing Qatar’s World Cup stories and the impact of the tournament with the world.

Generation Amazing programmes director Nasser al-Khori said: “We’re thrilled to see the launch of GOALS. The programme will enable stories to be told that highlight human interactions and experiences in a truly compelling manner.”

“Providing a platform for new narratives and storytelling is at the forefront of what we do at Generation Amazing,” he said. “I very much look forward to seeing these stories manifest around the world.”

Goal Click founder Matthew Barrett said: “The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has dominated the world of sports news and opinion since 2010.”

“However, the voices of the people living and working in Qatar – local and expat, male and female – have been largely unheard.” He said. “GOALS aims to give those people the power and freedom to tell personal stories of their lives in Qatar during this landmark year – from their own perspective.”

Sports Creative chief executive Joe Hewitt said: “Qatar is home to a diverse ecosystem of powerful stories, each offering a unique reflection of this important World Cup year.”

“GOALS will tell these stories through the voices, values, hopes, and dreams of each individual storyteller – and the programme will provide them with the skills to document a year that will never be forgotten,” he added.

Salam International chairman and chief executive Abdulsalam Abu Issa said: “With the highly awaited FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 just around the corner, we are proud to kick off GOALS.”

“This year, as we are celebrate our 70th anniversary, we continue to work towards aligning with Qatar’s developmental goals, and look forward to witnessing another successful milestone of our country, with GOALS,” he said.