Former England captain Beckham, who represented his country at three FIFA World Cup™ tournaments, was the special guest at the opening and took part in a host of football activities and observed literacy classes and art workshops.
“Community clubs like this one have the potential to change young people’s lives,” said Beckham. “It is great to be here today to see the valuable work that Generation Amazing are doing. I have no doubt that this facility will help young people achieve their goals.”
Generation Amazing is a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ legacy programme active in countries around the world, including Qatar, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Rwanda and Uganda. It has built more than 30 football pitches in under-privileged communities, with those facilities now being turned into community clubs. Generation Amazing has positively impacted more than 725,000 people since its launch in 2010.
Located at the Al Egla Training Facility, the new club will provide various football, educational and art programmes designed to positively impact the Lusail community. Some of the activities will be for females only while others will focus on improving people’s mental health. Lusail Sports Club will support the delivery of some programmes. The opening of the club was attended by a host of famous people, including Qatar Legacy Ambassadors Khalid Salman, Adel Khamis and Mohammed Sadoon.
“Our community clubs will ensure a positive legacy for generations to come in relation to Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup,” said Generation Amazing Programmes Director, Nasser Al Khori.
“This new facility in Lusail is based on our model of social cohesion. It will welcome everyone and help them learn, be creative and work towards building a more inclusive community. In line with our goals, the club will act as a catalyst towards gender equality and inclusiveness, using football to teach key life skills such as communication, organisation, teamwork and leadership.”
Ciaran Kelly, Technical Director of Lusail Sports Club, said: “Together, Lusail Sports Club and Generation Amazing’s synergy will create development programmes, expanding further opportunities for all ages, both male and female, in the Lusail community. Understanding the needs of our youth is vitally important when delivering our growth development programmes. Our vision and strong partnership with Generation Amazing will ensure the highest standard deliverables possible in Qatar.”
While the club will cater for all ages, its activities will be focused on young people. Generation Amazing youth delegates – a group of young people trained in topics related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – will play a key role in setting the agenda for activities.
Noora Al Kuwari, a Qatari Generation Amazing youth delegate, and a senior student at Qatar Academy Doha, said: “I am so excited to have a space in the city that is built around the principles of community building, and one that uses football to empower members of our community to lead better lives. I am really looking forward to watching the club develop and be a part of its success.”
Generation Amazing plans to launch more community clubs in Qatar and around the world as it edges closer to its goal of positively impacting 1 million people by the end of the year.
