Park Life
Aamir Vappattu, Qatar
My name is Aamir Vappattu and I am an Indian expat from Qatar. I was lucky enough to witness the significant part of Qatar’s growth, since I was raised there my whole life. Ever since I was in primary school, the main sport we played was football. My interest in football really began after I watched the 2010 FIFA World Cup where I fell in love with the Spain national team and their striker David Villa.
Not only did I watch all the significant football matches of Spain and my favourite club FC Barcelona, I also joined football academies in Doha to develop my skills as there was this tiny hope that I could make it someday. Back then, I used to live next to the Al Wakrah Stadium and I used to go to one of their gated concrete multi-purpose courts at night and practice dribbling and taking shots. Even though I was not supposed to play there without permission, I still did, especially since “Sport for All” (a slogan Qatar chanted as they began promoting the prominence of sports in Qatar since winning the rights to hold the 2022 World Cup), was painted on the floor of the court.
My friends and I would go to local parks and courts to play football together and even enter private football tournaments organized by other kids of our age. Even though I reduced playing as time passed, some of my best memories during my early years were while playing football.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
A group of kids were playing football in Aspire Park near the Khalifa International Stadium. It shows the true tradition of people in Qatar where families and friends go to the park before sunset to sit, relax, talk, cycle, and play other sports, especially football. This is a scene that we can see in most public parks, especially at the weekend.
A little girl was dribbling with a football on a full size 11 v 11 pitch. To me it is a representation of not only football as a sport, but how Qatar as a country has grown in the past few years. This is a true reflection of the slogan “Sport for all” - inclusiveness in every field regardless of gender, race, and religion.
Once I played a friendly, on this exact football pitch, against the Qatar national U16 girls football team when I was playing for the Evolution Soccer Academy. We lost the match with a final score of 3-1. The loss opened my eyes to how great they were and made me realize the necessity for inclusivity for all in every field. It might not sound such a big deal, but that experience was necessary for me to broaden my mind. At the same time, it made me realize and acknowledge the steps Qatar was taking to grant equal opportunities for everyone and the positive and constructive impact it is having on our society.
Two boys were passing a football. Since they were not able to find anyone else to play with, they were playing by themselves. Even though there are bigger spaces to play, they are using that small space between two football fields to play. This reminded me of times in school when we could not find a ball to play with during our lunch intervals, so we would just use a plastic water bottle to play football. Just like us, these kids are trying to maximize their opportunities to play football even if it is just by themselves and in a small narrow space.
The mural was painted on an electricity substation near the parking lot of the new Al Wakrah Stadium. The youthful-childlike painting saying “See you in 2022” conveys the bright future that lies ahead for the next generation of people in Qatar and what the World Cup and its influence on the country will lead the society towards. It also represents how the youth is not only part of this massive development but a significant motivator.
These middle-aged men were playing football outside one of the public football courts near the Khalifa International Stadium on a Saturday evening. It gives an idea about the love for the sport in Qatar. Not just kids, but people of all ages enjoy this sport. Behind the court, you can see the newly built ‘2022’ building dedicated to the World Cup. It shows how this sport, that has brought everyone together, is leading us towards a prosperous future and we are almost there.
What changes are happening in Qatari football culture?
There is a growing opportunity for everyone to get involved in the sport be it through local football cubs, academies, school, more and more public football fields, and other football related activities to encourage everyone to participate.
What is the most surprising or interesting part of Qatari football culture?
Often as part of celebrating a victory of the national football team or a local team in the league cup, Qatari fans would race around in their Landcruisers, perform stunts, and drive with groups playing loud Arabic songs. It is a sight to see. I admire their love and passion for the sport and how it brings people together.
Why is football so important for your community?
Even if it is to be played for fun or professionally, I think football has brought developments and opportunity for everyone. This makes it important for not only my community but every community.
What does football mean to you?
It will always remind me of my younger years, especially from 12 to 16. Some of my best memories were watching my favourite clubs win, playing football and having fun with my friends, improving my skills and playing for an academy. These are all amazing memories that I would not be able to cherish if it was not for football.
What will be the biggest impact of the World Cup in 2022?
The World Cup has provided opportunity and progress for the Qatari people to develop and become global citizens in the future.
What is the future for football in Qatar?
The impact the World Cup is having on Qatar, and the stadiums that it has created, will uplift the Qatari Football League and increase its global significance.
