CIR Lifestyle
Happy Football Cambodia Australia (HFCA) has announced a special celebration marking two decades of using football to transform young lives in Cambodia. The milestone event will take place on November 16, 2025, at the Morodok Techo National Stadium, bringing together HFCA participants, partners, and supporters for a day of sport, community, and reflection on impact.
Two Decades of Grassroots Empowerment
Founded in 2005, HFCA has spent the past 20 years helping underprivileged youth build confidence, teamwork, and life skills through football. This year’s celebration will see 80 young players from HFCA’s partner NGOs — Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and Build Your Future Today (BFT) — take to the pitch in a youth tournament managed by CJ Coaching.
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The event will feature 40 boys and 40 girls representing Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. For many of the participants from Siem Reap, it will be their first visit to the capital — a key moment of exposure and opportunity that underscores HFCA’s mission to open new horizons for Cambodian youth.
Celebrating Community and Leadership
Following the youth matches, a VIP 11v11 exhibition game will bring together HFCA alumni, advisory board members, and local personalities. HFCA Advisory Board members Scott Neeson, Sarita Reth, Rotha Chan, and Kounila Keo will join the lineup alongside special guests including Tiger Reth, Christopher Grant, Tim Grintal, P-Sand, Pidor Ham, Bora Kem, Vuthy Monyrath, and H.E. Som Ratana.
The two teams — HFCA Elephants and HFCA Tigers — will be managed by well-known Cambodian Premier League figures Conor Nestor and Colum Curtis, both of whom have contributed significantly to the local football scene.
“HFCA doesn’t just teach kids to play football,” said Rotha Chan, an HFCA Advisory Board member. “They use the game to build something far more important: confidence, self-esteem, and the belief that a team can achieve anything together.”
Coach Conor Nestor added, “For any organization to last 20 years is a significant milestone. When I think of HFCA, I think of how many young lives have been positively impacted by their commitment to the beautiful game.”
Looking Ahead: Football as a Pathway for Change
HFCA’s founder Paraic Grogan reflected on the organization’s legacy and future: “This is a significant moment for HFCA to reach 20 years of serving the community in Cambodia. We are excited to see what the future holds as we continue to grow and expand our programs.”
Scott Neeson, founder of Cambodian Children’s Fund and long-time HFCA supporter, noted: “HFCA is a terrific organization as it gives otherwise neglected youth a sense of self-esteem, competition, and the value of teamwork. In terms of return on investment, it’s one of the best in Cambodia.”
The 20-year event is a collaborative effort between HFCA and its partners — Cambodian Children’s Fund, Build Your Future Today, Raintree Cambodia, CJ Coaching, and Mekhala Radiant Communications — all working together to highlight the power of sport in community transformation.
About HFCA
Established in 2005, Happy Football Cambodia Australia (HFCA) is a registered NGO dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth through football. The organization provides access to structured training, team-building, and mobility programs that promote mental well-being, leadership, and future employability. Through sport, HFCA helps young Cambodians build the confidence and skills needed for long-term success in education, work, and life.
For more information, contact:
Paraic Grogan – pgrogan@hfca.org.au
