A total of 25 participants, of varied ages and from different spheres of the game, returned richer by expertise and experience from the Match Analysis Training Course, jointly organized by the Football Development Departments of Qatar Stars League (QSL) and Qatar Football Association (QFA).

The course was held at the National Team Super Club conference room in Aspire Zone on 25th, 27th, 28th January and 1st February from 08:00 to 13:30, during the annual Al Kass International Cup.

The topics dealt with were ‘Methodology of offensive analysis’, ‘Practical usage of Match Analysis System — Videobserver software for Live tagging and Panoramic System’, ‘STATS Technical and Physical Analysis reports’ and ‘Playing Methodology from two team coaches from Al Kass tournament’.

There was live tagging during the semifinals on 29th January from 15:00 to 20:00.

Coaches, players, fitness coaches and sport administrators as well as physical education degree holders were among the attendees. Ranging from Al Rayyan’s young player Mahmoud Mekdad to Aspetar’s physical trainer Joao Silva who also works with the Al Gharafa Club, they all gained valuable insights into the process of analysing matches using more effective and efficient methodologies.

The first day of the course saw the introduction of match analysis and attacking methodology. Videobserver software was used as a tool, with some Al Kass International Cup games as references.

On the second day, participants were divided into seven groups of three or four with particular matches and each one presented his findings.

The third day focused on the subject ‘How to become analysts at clubs or national teams’ and witnessed presentations by officials of PSG and Benfica teams.

The final day saw full tournament analysis on the basis of reports given by STATS, the official statistics and figures provider for the QNB Stars League.

QSL’s Competitions and Football Development Department Acting Executive Director Mohammad Ahmad and QFA’s Director of Football Development Fahad Thani were the chief guests at the conclusion ceremony.

Mohammad Ahmad said, “We wish to make this course an annual affair and see an increase in the number of participants. It’s a matter of pride for us to know that the attendees took advantage of it in a productive way.”

Fahad echoed his views.

“At QFA, we look forward to taking the game forward by using new technologies. Courses like this add value to the game,” he said.

Fahad’s QSL counterpart Miguel Heitor hoped the course would achieve its target of creating awareness among all stakeholders about the importance of analysing games using modern tools and technological advancements, and putting them into practice.