Football builds confidence among HIV positive players
Football builds confidence among HIV positive players
Savda* was just six years old when his parents passed away and he was taken in by an organisation that offered him shelter, food, an education and healthcare – which was of utmost importance as he is HIV positive.
Currently in grade 11, Savda studies hard and passes on his knowledge to the younger children in the organisation, helping them to read, write and learn basic math. He also enjoys playing football with his friends after school. However, their space to play was limited to the organisation’s garden and the games were just amongst themselves with nobody else to learn from.
Two years ago, when ISF asked Savda and his friends if they’d like to join ISF’s Football Programme, the young students jumped at the chance. “We never had the chance to play competitively” Savda says. “Joining the programme meant that we could finally participate in real football competitions” he adds.
ISF’s inclusive Football Programme creates opportunities for some of Cambodia’s most marginalized children to participate in organised sport in a safe and supportive environment. Now, Savda and his teammates train every week at the organisation’s centre and ISF’s qualified coaches deliver a bespoke football for social impact curriculum which introduces the players to important local and global issues such as education, children’s rights, drug and alcohol abuse, gender equality and more which contributes to positive behavior change on and off the pitch.
Since joining the programme, Savda describes feeling more confident and credits the programme to teaching him how to be a leader and role model for the younger children in his community. “Sometimes, I play with other schools and organisations near where I live and I’m always selected as the captain which makes me feel very proud” explains Savda. “When I was younger I didn’t have any hopes or ambitions for the future. Now, I want to be a professional football player and inspire other people in my same or similar situation.”
HIV-positive youth are one of the most vulnerable groups in Cambodian society and are often excluded from society at large. ISF’s Football Programme which offers youth affected by HIV the opportunity to play sport competitively, is one of the few of its kind in Cambodia. Participating in our regular training sessions and in our tournaments offer these marginalised players opportunities to fit in, to feel part of a team, to feel supported and to build the confidence to work towards achieving their dreams.
*Player’s name has been changed.
