The third edition of the JPL Warriors World Cup concluded recently at Education City Stadium in Qatar, bringing together 327 young female footballers from across the region. Organized by the Junior Premier League in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF) and QNB, the two-day tournament featured participants competing across three age categories: Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16.
The event provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, develop their abilities, and foster connections with peers who share a passion for football. For many of the participants, the experience has extended well beyond the sport itself, offering lessons in communication, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience.
Among the players was 17-year-old Kuwaiti footballer Tala al-Sultan, who credits the game for teaching her important life skills. “My favourite thing about playing is the friendships you build,” she said. Tala described how football has helped her view setbacks as chances to improve, motivating her to persist despite challenges on the pitch.
Similarly, 15-year-old Suad al-Thurban, also from Kuwait, highlighted how football has become an essential part of her daily life. After missing out on selection for her school team, she joined a football programme and has played daily since. For Suad, the sport offers a space to clear her mind and has taught her that progress requires patience and persistence. “If you force something, it won’t happen – you have to take your time,” she noted, emphasizing the broader life lesson of overcoming disappointment and fostering resilience.
The tournament also featured players from other countries in the region, including 14-year-old Yashvvi Jain from India. Having started playing football in 2023, Yashvvi was inspired by family members and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Her experience with the game has reinforced values such as respect for opponents, teamwork, humility, and effective communication. Perhaps most notably, she noted how learning to handle failure has been integral to her growth: “Losing has helped me understand that it is a part of success – and in order to win or be successful, you have to go through the failure phase."
Kholoud M al-Ali, executive director of Community Engagement and Programming at Qatar Foundation, emphasized the significance of the tournament’s setting and mission. She stated that QF views sports as a powerful tool to empower young girls, build confidence, and foster opportunities for personal growth both on and off the field. “Education City provides an ideal setting for this event, reflecting our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where girls can connect, learn, and thrive through sport,” al-Ali said.
The JPL Warriors World Cup continues to play a key role in promoting female participation in football across the region, encouraging young athletes not only to compete but also to build lifelong skills and friendships through the beautiful game.