SC
Earlier this year the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy handed out disposable cameras to more than 50 people across Qatar. The brief for each participant was simple: take photos of what football means to you.
The project was organised in collaboration with Goal Click, which is active in more than 40 countries and aims to help people around the world understand each other through football.
Our objective was to showcase Qatar’s football culture and its deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game, while shining a light on the country’s diversity. We also wanted to give people around the world the chance to find out more about the next FIFA World Cup host nation.
Local photographer and filmmaker Geraldine Menezes took part in the project and recently had five of her photos featured in the Qatar @roadto2022 Exhibition in Sao Paulo. However, her participation in the project came about by chance, as she explained to sc.qa.
Menezes, who was born in Qatar, said: “I was surprised to get involved as I only came to the kick-off meeting to accompany my brother Bosco, who had been asked to take part.
“I was overwhelmed by the project and the idea behind it – straightaway I decided I would capture football through the eyes of enthusiastic children who enjoy playtime with their friends. I wanted to capture team spirit.”
Menezes certainly achieved her objective, as you can see by the five photos below. But which was her favourite shot?
“That’s a tough question,” said Menezes. “I would say the one with the young boy on the side walk in Mater Qadeem, kicking the ball on his way to the parking lot of a mosque to meet up with friends. It was so impromptu as I was driving, spotted him, pulled over and ran to get the shot. As you can see, he too was caught unaware. He turned around to look at me, which added an extra dimension to the image.”
Location: Al Muntazah
Menezes said: “Kids really look forward to training and meeting their friends – they become like a family. Here they celebrate one of the boy’s birthdays. He made sure to share the cake with all his teammates and their parents.”
Location: Barwa City
Menezes said: “Football and style go hand-in-hand, with fans often trying to imitate the style of their icons, whether it’s their hairstyle, clothes or goal celebration. In this photo, the boys wanted to make sure their hair was right and that they were strutting the right pose. They’re already paparazzi-ready.”
Location: Al Wakrah Stadium
Menezes said: “I wanted to show a unique perspective of a team talk and pre-match huddle. This was taken during the annual hoteliers football tournament.”
Location: Doha Sports Stadium
Menezes said: “For a football fan, nothing makes you feel happier than seeing your team score a goal.”