FIFA Legend Steve McManaman Visits ISF
FIFA Legend Steve McManaman Visits ISF
In late September, ISF was honoured to welcome FIFA Foundation for a two-day visit. Along with several representatives, we received a special guest – former Liverpool player and FIFA Legend, Steve McManaman.
This was the career player’s first trip with FIFA’s independent charitable organisation and first to Cambodia. When given the chance to offer inspiration to beneficiaries of the Foundation’s projects, he didn’t hesitate. Stating “When FIFA Foundation approached me, I said ‘of course’. I’m always ready to do what I can to help children in need”
Steve McManaman has played for several influential European teams. The English footballer gained notoriety as a midfielder for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City and the English national team. Before retiring in 2005, he appeared in 401 matches, scoring 54 goals. Whilst playing for The Premier League, he made 37 appearances and scored three times.
Visually impaired players in the ISF All Abilities Programme
As our All Abilities activities—which give disabled and marginalised children access to regular sports training and events—are a part of the FIFA Foundation Community Programme, the delegation’s first stop was the ISF Sports Ground. Having also supplied technical and logistical knowledge when we built the pitch, their visit was especially significant. The afternoon’s events included football exhibitions from blind and visually impaired, HIV positive and intellectually disbaled players. Vice President of the Football Federation of Cambodia, His Excellency Khiev Sameth, and Mr. McManaman also shared rousing words of encouragement to our players. The latter also passed on pro-level moves to some young female players he joined on the field.
Some of our girls team players learn from a FIFA Legend
The delegation toured our Chbar Ampov campus the following day. They bonded with ISF students over language-sharing and arts and crafts projects. In the end, The FIFA Legend shared a heartfelt hand-written message with our students. And received many notes of admiration and warmth in return. Later describing, “We went to the [ISF] school, and these people didn’t have anything, yet they were making cards for me and my daughter, it was really touching,” adding: “I come from a very working-class background in Liverpool, when I was younger I didn’t have anything – but me not having anything in that context is nowhere near the same as what I witnessed there. You have to appreciate absolutely everything that you have.”
Mr. McManaman joined our students for an arts and crafts project
When asked what his highlight of the trip was, he responded “Oh, definitely the football pitch!” Adding, “It’s really great to see what [ISF] coaches are doing, working with those disabled children.”
FIFA Foundation was established in 2018 as an independent entity to promote positive social change around the world. To do so, it established various projects worldwide. They include a community programme which supports organizations like ISF that use football as a tool for social change and to improve the lives of underprivileged young people.
As he left Cambodia, McManaman’s final thoughts were, “If you can help people in any walk of life, either at home or elsewhere across the world, you should do that.”
ISF would like to extend special thanks to the Football Foundation of Cambodia for arranging this wonderful event.
