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.
Hamad Mohammed, who works as a Master Coach with Generation Amazing, one of the SC's flagship legacy projects, was delighted to take part in the project.
"It's an excellent project but it was a very big challenge because you have a limit – only 27 chances to take a photo," said Mohammed. "It means you need to think carefully and anticipate what's going to happen."
Mohammed continued: "What I love about this is that there's no editing – the photos are produced from just one click. Also, there's a story behind every photo, with each one showing how much people in Qatar love football."
Much to Mohammed's delight, one of his photographs was featured in the Qatar @roadto2022 Exhibition in Sao Paulo.
"It was a big honour for me to see my picture in one of the big activations. Being from Qatar and seeing my work in Brazil, while Qatar was playing in the Copa America for the first time, made me very proud."
Here Mohammed discusses some of his favourite photographs…
Location: Al Wakrah Academy
Mohammed said: "This was during a Generation Amazing event in Al Wakrah – where we had just delivered a session about inclusivity. Two of the students were challenging for the ball. You may not notice but one of the boys has a disability. The message here is that football offers a level playing field. It can help everyone to feel confident."
Location: Al Wakrah Academy
Mohammed said: "This was a Generation Amazing session about leadership, communication, teamwork and social skills at Wakrah Academy. You can see everyone here supporting their teammates. The penalty taker and goalkeeper are taking this seriously as they are trying to do the best for their teams. It's all about the team – not the individual."
Location: The Pearl Qatar
Mohammed said: "This shows people coming together to play football. The message here is that football brings people together. After the game, the players talk, swap numbers and arrange to play again. The players are from different countries and speak different languages but they understand one another through football."
Location: Al Wakrah Academy
Mohammed said: "They are celebrating a goal as a team – everyone is sharing the success. After being under pressure and scoring a goal, it's time to be happy. It was great he celebrated in front of the camera."
Location: Al Wakrah Academy
Mohammed said: "This is at the end of the match. I like this photo because they are all holding hands. They are one team. At the end of game, you don't say an individual has won – you say the team won. Whatever happens on the pitch, you win as a team."