The second under-13 girls' volleyball festival, played four-a-side, was held this morning at the Qatar Volleyball Association hall, in a spirited atmosphere and with a notable turnout of promising young players.
Sixteen teams took part, representing eight sports clubs: Qatar SC, Al Arabi, Al Gharafa, Al Sadd, Al Ahli, Al Shamal, Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan. The players produced a standard of volleyball that reflects the continuing development of the women's game in the age groups.
That progress is the fruit of the work the Qatar Volleyball Association has undertaken under its president, Mr Ali bin Ghanim Al-Kuwari, in support of women's volleyball. The association's academy is the foundation of the project, having placed close to 200 players with clubs, with the clubs in turn adding further players to build squads capable of competing and to broaden the base of the game.
Amna Al-Kuwari, board member and chair of the association's women's committee, attended the festival, alongside officials from the participating clubs and a number of parents who came to support and encourage the players.
A number of national-team players also took part in running and officiating the matches under the Referees of the Future initiative, a step intended to develop refereeing talent and prepare promising women officials in volleyball.
Certificates of participation were presented to every player at the close of the festival, in recognition of their efforts.