AZF teams up with Ooredoo to launch new Ooredoo Temba football championship

Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) and Ooredoo have today officially announced a partnership to launch ‘Ooredoo Temba’, a fun football championship that gives people in Qatar a chance to win great prizes while getting fit. 

The Ooredoo Temba football tournament will run from 6-11 March 2017 and feature 32 teams spread across eight groups. Matches will be played on Aspire Zone’s new state-of-the-art 5 a-side football pitches overlooking Al Waab Street.

The winning team will be given the chance to watch an English Premier League game and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Europe. Second and third place teams will receive cash prizes. Commenting on the tournament Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director of Community & Public Relations, Ooredoo said: “Encouraging sporting participation and healthy living is a big focus for us throughout the year and we’re delighted to see such amazing demand for the contest. We hope that together with AZF we provide a platform that brings people together, not just to play, but to cheer on their friends and family and enjoy the cooler weather. Good luck to all the teams participating.”

Mr. Nasser Abdullah Al-Hajri, Director of PR and Communications at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “Aspire Zone Foundation always strives to provide new and exciting programmes to promote a sporting culture and encourage healthy lifestyles among members of the local community. This championship provides football enthusiasts with the perfect chance to participate in a championship that is competitive yet friendly. We anticipate that teams comprised of family, friends or even co-workers will take part, reflective of AZF’s mission to use sports as a platform to connect people.”

This is the latest in a long history of partnership and collaboration for Ooredoo and the Aspire Zone Foundation. The Ooredoo Temba contest registration opened early this week to men aged 18 and above, and closed yesterday after seeing incredible demand. To enter, teams had to register a squad of seven: four players including a goalkeeper and three substitutes. Matches will last for 35 minutes (15 minutes for each half and a five-minute half-time break). Anyone who has already registered will be expected to attend the tournaments Technical meeting which is due to be held next Tuesday, 28 February. During the technical meeting, the rules and regulations of the competition will be explained to participants and small entrance fees collected.

Ooredoo Temba matches will be played from 6:00 – 9:00pm on Aspire Zone’s new 5 a-side-pitches, equipped with the latest innovative and sustainable technologies powered by solar energy. These pitches are also covered with high quality artificial football turf that meet FIFA’s quality standards and which help reduce water consumption. The pitches contribute to Aspire Zone’s commitment to support the Environmental pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030, designed to move the country towards greater sustainability and minimise environmental impact.

“AZF draws on its extensive logistical and human capabilities to provide new and unique experiences to members of the community. Our intention is to build a legacy that combines culture with modernity and which extends beyond this championship. This is why we have chosen the name ‘Temba’ for this championship, as ‘Temba’ is the Qatari word for traditional street football games. In addition to the cultural dimension, another significant aspect of the championship is that we have decided to hold the matches on our new eco-friendly 5 a-side pitches, which are entirely lit using solar power.” Mr. Nasser Abdullah Al-Hajri added.

Friends and family keen to cheer on their teams can attend the matches, or follow the progress of participating teams through AZF’s social media channels, under the hashtag #OoredooTemba. More information about the championship including the exact location of the pitches is available through the Life in Aspire smartphone app.