Fourteen local teams will compete for top honours in the Qatar Amateur League (QAL) which will start here November 11, Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced yesterday.

QAL will feature teams representing the social, corporate and government communities of Qatar, QFA officials said yesterday at a media conference.

QFA Executive Committee Member Ahmed al-Buainain; QFA Director of Competitions Hamad Saleh al-Mannai; QFA Marketing and Communications Director Khalid al-Kuwari discussed QAL’s short and long term objectives with members of the media.

Commenting on the launch of QAL, al-Buainain said, “We are happy to announce the launching of the League is set to kick off November 11 and run until the end of the football season.

“QFA plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation for community football. Organising these leagues showcases QFA’s efforts in nurturing football culture in Qatar, particularly amongst the community.”

Elaborating on the conduct of the League, al-Mannai said, “A committee will supervise the league to ensure regulations are implemented to the highest standards. The players will be registered in QFA’s system, the same way the players of the local clubs are registered when an official league is organised.”

Speaking about QFA’s marketing strategy, Khalid al-Kuwari said, “Our plan is to market and promote this league in the best way possible. QAL allows all social, corporate and government communities of Qatar to integrate via organised football to expand the overall Qatar football pyramid.”

Organising this league not only showcases QFA’s goal to develop community football and assist all communities to have access to football, he added.

The league matches will be held at eight different venues – Doha Stadium, Wakrah Stadium, Sailiya Stadium, Arabi Stadium, Qatar Sports Club, Khor Stadium, Gharrafa Stadium and Sadd Stadium. Al Mataar will face Madinat Khalifa in the opening match of the QAL starting 7pm at Doha Stadium on November 11. Friends United will then take on Military Command at the same venue at 8.45pm.

The third and fourth matches on the first day will be contested between Al Waab and Qatar International (7pm) and, Kahraama and Mackeen (8.45pm) at Wakrah Stadium.