CIR Lifestyle
Ten young Cambodian female footballers from Phnom Penh and rural communities in Siem Reap province will travel to Singapore next month to compete in the JSSL 7s youth football tournament, highlighting the growing role of grassroots sports programs in building confidence, leadership skills, and educational pathways for young women.
The under-16 team is being supported by Happy Football Cambodia Australia (HFCA), a long-running sports development initiative founded by Paraic Grogan that focuses on empowering disadvantaged youth in Cambodia through football-based programs.
The tournament, scheduled from April 2 to 5, 2026, will see the Cambodian team compete against youth teams from across Asia and beyond. For many of the players selected, the experience represents not only their first international sporting competition but also their first time traveling overseas.
Football as a pathway to confidence and opportunity
HFCA’s approach to youth development extends beyond sport, using football as a tool to strengthen personal development and life skills among young participants.
Through structured training, mentoring, and team-based activities, the program aims to build self-confidence, resilience, and leadership capabilities among girls who may otherwise have limited access to extracurricular opportunities.
According to HFCA’s leadership, programs like these also contribute to broader educational outcomes. Participation in sports has been shown to strengthen discipline, teamwork, and communication skills—qualities that can support students in both academic environments and future careers.
Since its establishment, HFCA has worked with more than 5,000 underprivileged young people across Cambodia. Many of these participants come from communities where access to organized sports programs, international exposure, and youth development initiatives remains limited.
From rural villages to international tournaments
Several of the players selected for the Singapore tournament come from villages such as Oroong and Sras Srang in Siem Reap province, areas located hours from major urban centers.
In Oroong village, local school leadership—including Rourn Srei Pov, principal of Oroong Primary and Secondary School—has played a key role in supporting the girls’ participation in football programs.
Even during periods of tension along the Cambodia–Thailand border late last year, teachers and trainers continued encouraging students to maintain their training schedules, viewing sport as a positive outlet for youth during challenging times.
For the players involved, the Singapore trip represents exposure to new cultures, competitive environments, and professional sporting standards. Many of the girls have previously had limited opportunities to travel outside their communities, and some have never left Cambodia before.
Partnerships supporting young female athletes
HFCA’s programs operate in collaboration with several local organizations working to expand opportunities for young women.
One of the players traveling to Singapore is supported by Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), which works with HFCA to identify talented young athletes and provide them with education and development opportunities.
Among the players is Chanthy Sokhapich, who previously competed in an international youth tournament in Thailand through HFCA’s development programs. Her continued training includes mentorship from coaches connected to Phnom Penh Crown FC, one of Cambodia’s leading professional football clubs.
Another participant, Kung Hana from Oroong village, represents a growing number of rural girls who are overcoming cultural barriers and family concerns about girls participating in competitive sport.
The program’s advisory board, including member Reth Sarita, has also highlighted the importance of providing international exposure to build both confidence and ambition among young athletes.
Expanding women’s football development in Cambodia
The Singapore tournament also reflects HFCA’s broader strategy to strengthen women’s participation in football in Cambodia.
The organization first sent youth teams to the JSSL 7s tournament in 2023 and is now working to establish annual participation opportunities for girls from development programs in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Future plans include expanding partnerships with local women’s football clubs and training academies to build clearer development pathways for female players in Cambodia.
Beyond competition results, the program’s long-term objective focuses on helping young participants develop the confidence, leadership abilities, and life skills needed to succeed in education and employment.
For the ten girls preparing to compete in Singapore this April, the journey represents more than a sporting milestone. It reflects how community-based programs, international partnerships, and local support networks are helping create new opportunities for young Cambodian women to pursue both athletic and educational ambitions.
