The four CCF athletes pose for a photo with the leaders of HFCA and the CCF. The four will join forces with eight athletes from BFT to participate in the Bangkok tournament. Chhorn Norn.
Twelve of the Kingdom’s most talented under-sixteen football players have been selected by Happy Football Cambodia Australia (HFCA) to participate in the Bangkok Soccer League (BSL) on January 25-26, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Four of the squad members come from Phnom Penh’s Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and eight from the Build Your Future Today (BFT) organisation in Siem Reap province.
Paraic Grogan, founder of HFCA, addressed a January 16 press conference. He noted that this marks the first time HFCA will send a female team to participate in the BSL, which was established in 2005.
He added that the 20th BSL tournament includes 40 teams from various age groups, from under 10 to under 18, with most teams from Thailand, as well as the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and of course the HFCA squad.
“This is an international competition with strong teams, so our players may face challenges in achieving good results. However, the most important thing is to give them the opportunity to experience playing abroad, gain valuable experience and bring it back to Cambodia. We hope they will serve as role models to inspire other Cambodian girls to play football,” he said.
Chanthy Sokha Pich, a 9th-grade student at the CCF’s Neeson Cripps Academy who trains with the HFCA, viewed the trip to Thailand as an invaluable opportunity for herself and her family.
Sophalen Pheap (left) addresses a January 16 press conference. Chhorn Norn
“In my family, no one has ever travelled abroad. They are very proud of me for getting this chance to compete internationally for the first time,” she said.
“I am very excited to play with teams from other countries in this upcoming competition in Thailand. It doesn’t matter whether we’re weaker or stronger than others. What’s important is our determination, teamwork and unity. We want to showcase our abilities on the field,” added the 15-year-old.
Another player, Sophalen Pheap, who has previously competed in Singapore, continued: “My first experience playing overseas taught me a lot about football, and I will use that knowledge to enhance my performance in Thailand, aiming to improve our team’s capabilities for greater success this year.”
Sok Channoeurn, country manager of CCF, explained that playing football is a form of education for students.
“In sports, there are rules and discipline, which teach teamwork and emotional management during both victories and defeats. This is why CCF has collaborated with HFCA to provide football training and opportunities for our students since 2009,” she said.
“Sports teach character and self-discipline, guiding our students towards real-life goals. Travelling abroad broadens their horizons, allowing them to explore the world beyond. During the competition, they’ll have the chance to learn additional football techniques and strategies to further develop their skills,” she added.
Doron Shahar, founder of the BSL tournament, said the presence of the HFCA female team reflects the spirit of women’s football, which goes beyond competition to celebrate friendship and joy.
“When teams from across Southeast Asia and Thailand come together, it reminds us of football’s unifying power, creating memories and long-lasting relationships,” he continued, adding “We hope that HFCA enjoys not just the competition but also the friendships and cultural exchanges fostered through this program. We are excited to see them shine on the pitch!”
