Kheng Ratha* joined ISF’s Catch-up Education Programme almost six years ago and at the same time, began playing football. Today, Ratha is in grade 8 at state school and playing football competitively in the AIA-ISF Youth League. Opportunities to receive a quality education as well as play sport in a safe and supportive environment are rare for children like Ratha, who comes from an impoverished area in Phnom Penh’s Stung Meanchey district.

Ratha plays for the ISF Teddy Bears, ISF Stung Meanchey U14 Boys Team as a midfielder. “I feel excited to have a chance to compete with strong teams and very happy when my team wins – not once have I felt sad when playing football” Ratha says. “Training with my classmates makes me feel included” he adds.

In addition to his increased feelings of happiness and inclusion, Ratha also credits football to improving his health: “I know I’ve become healthier through playing football because I rarely get sick and I can perform tasks energetically” he explains.  His technical abilities are getting better too as he’s changed roles from goalkeeper to defender to midfielder.

If Ratha had one piece advice he could give his friends or others who don’t play football, it would be to start playing football! He’s seen it change his life for the better and wishes the same for everybody else. Although his parents were worried he’d break his arms or legs at first, now, after six years, they can see the benefit it’s having on his overall health and well-being.

*Name of children under 18 years old have been changed.

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