Doha: There’s a buzz of excitement as teams get set for the start of the highly-anticipated Qatar Amateur League season. The 2018-19 season kicks off on Saturday, when Al Thumama and Al Matar play at Doha Stadium at 20:00. Al Nasr clinched last year’s title of the Qatar Amateur League (QAL) after amassing a total of 30 points, just one point behind were Al Bidda, who now play the second division, Qatar’s second tier football competition. The Subsidiary Leagues Committee at QFA oversees and organises all community leagues and tournaments including the QAL, School League, University League, and the Asian Communities Football Tournament. Organising the QAL demonstrates QFA’s commitment to providing a platform for teams from the social, corporate and governmental sectors to integrate and interact through football in a fun and competitive environment. This year, the sixth edition of the QAL will feature eight teams from across Qatar with four matches being played every Saturday and Sunday. The 13 teams competing in this year’s QAL are Madinat Khalifa, The Pearl, Al Nasr, Lusail, Al Thumama, Al Aziziya, Al Matar and Doha. All matches will take place at Doha Stadium and Al Markhiya Sports Club. Matches were played at three different venues including Doha Stadium, Al Markhiya Sports Club and Qatar University. The league followed a single round-robin format. Hilal Al Mohannadi, head of the Subsidiary Leagues Committee said: “We are very excited to kick off another season of the Qatar amateur League and wish all the teams the best of luck. The Qatar Amateur League this year brings together eight teams representing the social, corporate and government communities of Qatar. The amateur players in Qatar deserve to have their own league and organising the QAL for them illustrates QFA’s commitment to improve and develop community football in Qatar.” He added: “I would like to thank our partners for their continuous efforts to support the QAL, their support contributes to the overall success of the league and ensures that its ogranised to the highest standards. I would also like to thank Aspetar for the great role they play by providing the necessary medical services for the players and ensuring the medical treatment of players in case of injuries.” The QAL’s sponsors for this year include The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy as the Official Strategic Partner, Qatar National Bank (QNB) as the Exclusive Financial Partner, Nike as the Official Supplier, Al Kass Channel as the Official Broadcaster and Aspetar will provide medical services throughout the competition.