Sheffield FC continue Qatar link with visit to Doha

EVO-STIK NPL Division One South side Sheffield FC have continued their partnership with the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy after a visit to the Middle East.

Chairman Richard Tims was joined by members of the club’s ladies team in visiting the UK ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Ajay Sharma, at the UK Embassy in Doha, to further the club’s quest to return to Olive Grove – where football as the world knows it today was born.

The visit followed after last year’s announcement that the Supreme Committee would be investing £100,000 into Sheffield FC’s foundation, and as part of the agreement a new soccer school for girls would be set up in Doha.

Tims and the Sheffield Ladies stars, who won promotion to the Women’s Super League Two last season, visited Doha College, putting young players through their paces.

Tims said: “We were the original pioneers. For me, Qatar and the people driving the future of the game are the new shoots.

“I’m from England and love our heritage but you have to understand football is a global game, it’s for everyone. That’s why we’re here. We want to build the home of football. We need support to do that and it was fantastic for us to be in Qatar to speak to people who share that passion.”

Following the British Embassy reception, Ambassador Sharma said: “We were delighted to welcome our friends from Sheffield and from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

“The project being carried out by Sheffield FC represents the past, present and future of football and we are proud to welcome the club to our embassy today. This visit also gives us the chance to reiterate how important our relationship with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is.”

SC Secretary General Al Thawadi added: “Not many people knew Qatar’s love of the game before we bid for the World Cup. It’s in every breath we take and we’re really proud to support Sheffield and help them develop their grass-roots football.

“Their values epitomise everything we want to achieve as a country organising the World Cup. What Sheffield have managed to do on their journey is incredible. Our partnership seems to fit well in terms of a shared love of the game.”