Cambodia Investment Review
Happy Football Cambodia Australia (HFCA) and Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) have extended their partnership until 2029, setting out plans to expand football opportunities for disadvantaged Cambodian children and explore dedicated initiatives for young people with disabilities.
The organisations signed the renewed memorandum of understanding on September 1, extending a collaboration that began in 2009 and is expected to reach the 20-year mark by the end of the agreement.
HFCA said it spends approximately $120,000 annually on its programmes and has supported around 5,000 young people in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap since beginning operations in 2005. At least 2,000 of those participants have been girls.
Partnership Provides Access to International Tournaments
Through the partnership, CCF boys and girls have participated in football tournaments attended by HFCA across Brazil, France, Mexico, Poland, Chile, the Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, Wales, South Korea and Singapore.
The programmes are designed to provide regular sporting opportunities for young people from disadvantaged communities while exposing participants to international competition and experiences outside Cambodia.
HFCA representative Paraic Grogan said the organisation’s focus has been on maintaining a consistent, long-term commitment rather than delivering short-term sporting activities.
One participant who joined HFCA through CCF in 2015 despite being blind in one eye later completed a university degree with CCF’s support and went on to coach an HFCA-supported team, Grogan said.
Organisations Consider Disability-Focused Football Programmes
HFCA and CCF used the partnership renewal to highlight plans to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in football.
While HFCA does not currently operate a programme specifically for young people with disabilities, Grogan said the organisation would be willing to establish one with its partners. He added that both organisations should take a more proactive approach to identifying potential participants.
CCF founder Scott Neeson said the organisation seeks to accommodate children who want to participate in sport regardless of disability or economic hardship.
CCF has supported more than 30 people with disabilities in pursuing their ambitions, particularly in education, according to Neeson.
The organisations are also seeking sponsors and technical partners to support the development of disability-inclusive football activities and expand their presence in Phnom Penh communities, including Steung Meanchey.
Renewed Agreement Builds on Two-Decade Track Record
HFCA began operating in Cambodia in 2005 and partnered with CCF four years later. Their joint programmes have since combined football training, community participation and international sporting opportunities for children who may otherwise have limited access to organised sport.
The renewed agreement provides a framework for the organisations to continue their existing activities through 2029 while developing more inclusive programmes for the next generation of Cambodian players.
