Under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the draw for the 13th Frij Neighborhood Football Championship was held. The tournament, organized by the Qatar Sports for All Federation, had its draw conducted during a press conference held yesterday afternoon at Lusail Sports Hall, in the presence of representatives from some of the participating teams.

For the first time, matches will be hosted at the “Fareej Al-Nuaija East” field. The tournament will kick off next Sunday and will run for a full month, allowing sufficient rest periods between matches.

Tournament Structure and Rules

The draw resulted in the 12 participating teams being divided into two groups, with a total of 168 players taking part.

  • Group A includes:
    Al-Wakrah, Shabab Al-Nasr, Laweena, Al-Kheesa, Onaiza, and Umm Qarn.

  • Group B includes:
    Khalifa City, Shabab Umm Qarn, Al-Aziziya, Luqair, Halul, and Al-Nasr.

The competition will follow a single round-robin format within each group. The top four teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stage.

Matches are played with seven players per team, and each team is required to field at least two Qatari players per match. Additionally, any Qatari player can be registered before a match, in line with tournament regulations, in order to encourage greater participation.

Goals and Vision of the Tournament

This recurring competition is a key part of the Qatar Sports for All Federation’s calendar, contributing to the sustainability of community sports through neighborhood football tournaments. Previous editions have seen significant success, with participation reaching up to 20 teams in some years.

The aim of the championship is to:

  • Provide an opportunity for Qatari and resident players (not registered with the official Qatar Football Association) to showcase their talents and enjoy their passion for football.

  • Offer a platform for emerging players and new faces to shine.

  • Encourage youth aged 16 and above to be active and engage in physical activity.

  • Create an inclusive and attractive environment for playing the nation’s most beloved sport.

Each team represents a different area of the country, turning the tournament into a meeting point for both citizens and residents of various ages. The championship also plays a vital role in promoting a culture of sports and the concept of “sports for all.”

Improved Infrastructure and Community Impact

The 13th edition of the Frij Championship follows the completion of renovation and maintenance work on seven out of sixteen football fields across various regions of the country. These upgrades expand opportunities for young people to book and participate in tournaments.

The Frij Neighborhood Championship is a cornerstone of the Qatar Sports for All Federation’s strategy to promote sports culture in society. On a monthly basis, these neighborhood fields attract more than 3,000 players from various groups, making them open sports venues for all family members, whether for competitive matches, casual football, walking, or general physical activities.