Qatar Football Association’s Nawaf Khalil Ibrahem Al-Hakeem On Footballs Ability To Unite Everybody, Everywhere

1Tell us about your role as Director Secretary of the Football Development Department at Qatar Football Association. What does a typical day look like for you?

My role is to carry out football administration duties which include reviewing and registering more than 1500 applications as new members of Qatari Clubs.

My responsibilities include:

Initiating the filing process for applicants by critically reviewing applicant content details, entering data, and scanning documents.

I am also responsible for creating outcome reports and updating our senior managers on a daily and weekly basis.

My other duties include assisting with the Clubs operations, ensuring policies, procedures, and regulations of the various football authorities are implemented and in line with best practice; all relevant paperwork, submissions, and surveys are completed on time.

Some of my accomplishments:

1. Reports have proven we achieved 3 times winning AFC president recognition award for grassroots football
2. Coaching convention in Pro level (only QFA, Japan FA and Chinese FA has this in Asia)
3. Youth Elite 3 stars for Aspire as the first academy got 3 stars level in Asia and other projects.

A typical day looks like this:

• Receive and start files for applicants
• Critically reviewing the content and details
• Scanning documents, entering data
• Following up with applicants if needed
• Act as primary contact for applicants regarding the application process, incomplete files and addressing questions and concerns
• Attend meetings with my teammates and senior manager to discuss operational plans and updates
• Compile data and update dashboard repot that will be shared with senior managers

2What do you look for when reviewing new applications and finding coaches and project staff to support development programs?

Applications are always about the supporting documents, qualifications, and AFC standards that we are following.

As for project staff, I will be always looking for people with passion. Passion is very important in keeping the momentum going.

I also look for people with the ability to deliver the content, because learning is one thing, but being able to deliver this knowledge to others is a different talent.

3You’ve been working in football development since 2015. Tell us about your passion for football and why development, specifically youth development in sport is so important to you.

This is probably not surprising, I don't only work in football but I am also a big fan!

I love the development that is constantly updating for the future generation and providing the youth with all the support.

Also, the teamwork and the different ideas supporting the youth and grassroots programs, including coaches expanding in different countries where they plan for 5-10 years ahead.

Moreover, we are constantly making sure football is being developed in many countries by also providing them with the appropriate materials.

This played a major role in my life knowing other children are being introduced to a healthy lifestyle and keeping football alive.

4All of your current projects include using football as a vehicle for social change, inclusivity and community advancement. In your experience, what is the key to creating a program that will have a lasting impression on the participants?

Football has brought many people together and is a great form of entertainment.

It is a very popular sport and there is no age limit.

The key to creating these programs is to bring children, adults, seniors...etc, together.

A crucial part of leaving a lasting impression is to provide countries with the equipment needed. It helps us stay in shape, live a healthy lifestyle, and most importantly keeping our youth out of trouble but allowing them to have fun at the same time.