The fifth annual ISF U17 Boys League launched on 10^th July came to a close on Sunday, 16th October. All the football matches took place at our new ISF Sports Ground in Phnom Penh, giving children the opportunity to play on standard pitches for the first time.

This year, 17 teams from partner organizations, schools and community groups joined the league. We even welcomed three new entries:  Bunla Soccer, Disciple Joy Church (DJC) and Puon Phnom School.

The game format and types stayed the same as previous years and almost all FIFA rules, except free substitutions, were applied. During the round robin competitions, all the teams played their hearts out in order to reach the semi-finals. Slum Academy and Bunla Soccer beat Robas Angkanh School and Sunrise respectively, securing their place in the final.  On Sunday 16^th October the moment of truth finally arrived. Slum Academy and Bunla Soccer gave everything and demonstrated all their skills and creativity. In the end, Bunla Soccer players had their hands on the trophy, defeating last year’s winner, Slum Academy.

It was a thrilling weekend at the ISF Sports Ground and a great success for our football programme. Thanks to this league, disadvantaged Cambodian youths had the opportunity to play competitive football and engage in physical activities. Most of these children live in extreme poverty in slum communities with no space to even run and play. For these young people, this league was the highlight of their week and we are proud of each and every one of them for the efforts and commitment they put into it!