Doha, 24 October 2022 - The volunteering spirit of a group of young people from Qatar has earned them a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - through a partnership between Wanda Group, the Chinese conglomerate and FIFA partner, and Qatar Foundation.
During the Street Child World Cup 2022 - held in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF) and which took place at Education City's Oxygen Park, amplifying the voice of street-connected children from around the world - 24 participants in QF's sport and community programs, aged 12-16, supported the tournament by acting as matchday ball crew.
The 2022 edition, which brought together 28 teams from 25 countries, marked the first time a ball crew has been part of the Street Child World Cup.
In recognition of their efforts, Wanda Group and QF are providing the young ball crew volunteers with the opportunity to walk out onto the pitch ahead of a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match, carrying the FIFA flag in the pre-match ceremony before taking their seats to watch the game.
The participation of youth volunteers in the Street Child World Cup 2022 reflects QF's commitment to empowering young people to embrace volunteerism, for the benefit of society and their personal growth. Among them was Nasser Al Khalifa, 15 - a member of QF's football programs - who said:
"Volunteering at the Street Child World Cup was so rewarding, inspiring, and eye-opening - I really appreciated the chance to be part of it." Over the eight days of the Street Child World Cup 2022, teams played in a World Cup-style football tournament, displayed their creativity in art workshops, and placed the spotlight on the issues, challenges, and hardships faced by vulnerable young people living in street situations throughout the world, in child-friendly congress sessions and a General Assembly. Of the 15 boys' and 13 girls' teams who participated in the tournament, 10 were represented by refugee or displaced children.
"Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of a strong, compassionate, and inclusive society, and when young people give their time and their dedication to volunteering, they learn leadership skills while also developing a sense of social responsibility and citizenship that will guide, serve, and inspire them throughout their lives," said Alexandru Rosca, Manager of Community Engagement and Activation, Qatar Foundation.
"As an advocate for volunteerism, and a provider of opportunities for Qatar's youth to engage in it, we are proud that young volunteers from QF's sport and community programs played a key role in the Street Child World Cup 2022 - a tournament that carries an important message for the world. And we are delighted that our partner, Wanda Group, is recognizing their contribution by providing them with what will be an unforgettable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 experience."
