Skill-based workshops and community grants
Initiative description: Conducting skill-based workshops for community representatives in Qatar on themes that build on the experience of the SC and are of interest to local communities, such as football for development; design, engineering and construction of stadiums and infrastructure; advocating community cohesion and civic participation through public engagement and consultation; and widening access to and participation in football. This will include requiring a commitment from each participant to deliver an activity or programme at the end of six months within their community, utilising the skills and experience gained plus contacts made during the module, which will be documented and shared with the SC.
As part of the wider community outreach work, the SC has continued to deliver projects to connect with local communities, create awareness on topics associated with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and build the skills of community representatives. The SC is closely engaged with leaders from 60 community associations across the world, extending its reach as far as Argentina, New Zealand and Yemen.
While in 2019 more than 700 students and 80 community representatives were engaged in information sessions and skill-based workshops, a number of activities had to be cancelled or rescheduled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The SC also offers a grant scheme to support projects that can improve quality of life, health and wellbeing in these communities. To date, a total of 38 grants to support community cultural groups and community football teams have been awarded.
Despite the complexities resulting from the pandemic, communities continued to engage in sports-related events, with participation at the CAF African Super Cup, the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium opening, the FIFA Club World Cup 2020™, and the Ramadan football tournaments.