Over one thousand five hundred young players gathered under the mind morning sunshine.  They wait with excitement for the day’s events. As preparations are made, teams ran drills and limbered up. Small groups of children from different teams couldn’t resist the pull to play and laugh together; grabbing loose balls to kick across the turf. Under shady tent areas, players’ parents and family members watch the pitch to pass the time. Snacks are passed while they wait to see daughters, sons, cousins or siblings compete for the gold.  The AIA – ISF Youth League 2019-20 season was about to begin.

Thida Puth, ISF Country Manager Vicheka Chourp and Trustee Leo Brogan deliver inspiring words

This is Cambodia’s largest community football league. In it, 105 teams will compete over six months of weekly competitive play at ISF Sports Grounds.  The young girls and boys, aged 10 to 17 years old, come from Phnom Penh and surrounding provinces. As the days event was starting, they lined up in long winding rows to hear the opening speeches.  This year, we welcomed Puth Thida, Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) committee member and Boeung Ket President. The FFC’s Assistant President and Competition Director, Mr. Chhang Piseth, accompanied her.  They shared words of encouragement to an eager crowd of adolescent footballers. ISF Trustee Leo Brogan and Country Manager Vicheka Chourp also spoke that day. These longtime ISF representatives overflowed with positive words for children they’ve watched become the skilled players they are today.

The months of play that lay before them are made possible with the support of AIA Cambodia.  The insurance provider is a part of AIA Group Limited, the largest life insurer in the world by market capitalisation. AIA Cambodia is committed to contributing to the Kingdom’s economic and social development over the long term, and help Cambodians live healthier, longer, better lives.

The Health Benefits of Play

Adopting healthier lifestyle choices, like regular physical active, can greatly reduce commission of non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that such illnesses account for 64% of all deaths in Cambodia. Research also shows that just 12 weeks of football training reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 50%. Aside from improving fitness through building strength, stamina and speed, football players experience better health due to their improved aerobic and anaerobic capabilities.

Young footballers take to the pitch at AIA – ISF Youth League 2019-20

Goals of the AIA – ISF Youth League

At the heart of the Youth League is the belief that sport has the potential to combat many of the social challenges facing Cambodia’s youth. This includes issues such as discrimination, lack of education, unemployment and preventable diseases. AIA Cambodia’s sponsorship of the league is part of its commitment to aid disadvantaged children and communities through employment opportunities and supporting projects that promote healthy life choices.

Opportunities to engage in competitive sport are limited for most Cambodian children. This is especially true for those from economically deprived backgrounds. Typically, girls have less access than boys. And chances to play are almost non-existent for disabled children. To combat cultural perceptions that marginalise these players, there is also a social impact element in the league’s weekly training sessions. ISF coaches share lessons focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Issues such as gender equality, non-violent conflict resolution, health and other life skills are introduced to players. That way, coaches act as role models for the players and this is particularly significant when it comes to increasing girls’ participation.

Often female players can be discouraged to pursue football activities. According to Vorn Savy, a coach in ISF’s Football Programme and Principal at Anlong Mean Primary school, perceptions may be to blame. Citing, “First, it’s their families who don’t want them to play football… [But] the biggest challenge is society, I think.”

AIA – ISF Youth League 2019-20 Opening Matches

Exciting plays during the AIA – ISF Youth League

Across over four hours of play, the children of ISF’s Football Programme played their hearts out.  There was joy, some drama, a few tears and intense camaraderie seen on all the pitches at ISF Sports Ground. But most of all, any onlooker could clearly see that all the kids were having fun – on and off the field. This is another goal of our programme, to give disadvantaged and marginalised children access to safe play spaces and the chance to enjoy their childhood.

We wish each of them the best of luck this season!