On Sunday, 27^th November 2016, 1,500 players divided in 92 teams of young boys and girls from schools, organizations and communities from in and around Phnom Penh opened the ISF Youth League 2016-2017. ISF has grown from providing grassroots football opportunities to just 50 players in 2006 to over 3,800 in 2016. Never before, ISF has seen such a high number of participants playing competitive football, having fun and developing vital life skills.

Despite the initial worry due to the fact that the children have had little experience and most only came to the sport of football recently, the players’ showed great excitement thanks to the warmth of the welcome they received. The crowd greeted each team and cheered them on to make sure they all felt welcome.

Teams in the U10, U14 and U18 categories took part in the competitions. Despite the afternoon heat of Phnom Penh, the players didn’t miss their chance to showcase their talent. Sunday’s winning teams included:

• Bunla Soccer – Boys U10
• Sunrise Kandal – Boys U14 Champion
• Sunrise Kampong Speu – Boys U14 Premium
• Sunrise Kandal – Girls U14
• Bunla Soccer – Boys U18
• Sunrise Kampong Speu – Gilrls U18

Click here to read the full results.

We would like to offer our most sincere gratitude to Barclays for sponsoring the ISF Youth League for so many years and for helping us give disadvantaged Cambodian youth the opportunity to play sports, have fun and regain their childhood.

Last, but certainly not least, congratulations to all the teams who competed at the League Opening and played their hearts out to win in their division!