Sreynuth’s love of sports came early. Growing up in a rural area not far from Siem Reap, she started playing informal football matches at a very young age. She was also driven to gain an education. Her dedication paid off. The 19-year-old became the first in her family to finish 12 years of schooling. She did it all while also studying English at Stepping Stones Cambodia and pursuing her goal to become a football coach.

In 2015, ISF’s Football Programme began a partnership with Stepping Stones. It introduced weekly football training to their curriculum. With her keen interest in the sport, we offered Sreynuth the opportunity to receive training. Though many of her community members see football as unfit and dangerous for girls, she was determined to forge ahead to change that view. Even though she always had an interest in football, this would be the first time she joined formal training. The lessons helped her learn fundamental football skills and also identify her goals. She soon knew that becoming a coach was her path. But as grade 10 came to an end, her teammates began to quit—to either get married or find jobs to support their families—dissolving her team.

Fortunately for her, in 2019, the partnership expanded through our award-winning Football for Change Outreach Project supported by UEFA Foundation for Children. The project spreads social impact sports education to aspiring coaches in underprivileged areas of Cambodia. Since her team disbanded, Sreynuth kept teaching what she knew by helping coach young players at her secondary school. So when the Football for Change Outreach Project came to Stepping Stone, she joined eagerly.

Becoming a coach is an essential step in realizing her dream to bring positive change to her community’s youth. In the Football for Change Outreach Project, she has been working tirelessly to harness her skills and knowledge to reach her goal. Currently, Sreynuth provides mentorship to more than 20 girls aged 13 to 14 as an assistant coach. She helps teach them essential life skills and covers relevant local social issues such as substance abuse, gambling addiction, and domestic violence. She believes these lessons are crucial for her players to avoid their negative impacts on their lives.

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When asked how much football means to her, Sreynuth chirps, “I always feel excited when it comes to playing football. It’s like I was born for it.” She adds, “To me, football is more than a form of sports entertainment; It helps me remain active and become healthier.”

Sreynuth believes that her life has changed for the better because of football. And as a female player, she would like to see more girls participating in football. She stresses the changes she’s seen in her own life, “football builds my confidence and broadens my knowledge, making me a better person. I always feel that I am listened to and supported by ISF coaches.”

Later, she would also be listened to and supported by coaches and peers from around the world.  In September 2020, Sreynuth was selected to join an online Girls Talk organized by UEFA. She was immediately excited by the prospect of discussing her favourite topic with a global audience. Describing the experience, she smiles, “I’ve never had an opportunity to talk about football with a female professional player before! I had so much fun talking to other female players from far away countries.” She continues, “they were very friendly and passionate about football. The girls made me feel at ease while expressing my opinion.” Following the call, Sreynuth was left feeling profoundly committed to her goals. “After listening to their stories, I felt touched, even more motivated to play football, and more driven to achieve my dream. I will become a coach.”

Sreynuth is currently working towards joining the ISF Football Programme staff as a junior coach.