On 18 June 2016, ISF-Barclays football tournament for deaf and hearing impaired players took place at the ISF Sports Ground, Phnom Penh. In total,16 teams from Phnom Penh, Battambang, Kampot and Kampong Cham battled it out in an event organized by Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF) who has been supporting sports for players with disabilities since 2010. Sponsored by Barclays, this is the ninth tournament of intense football competitions and fun for these players.

The day also hosted activities and games for players with intellectual disabilities from 7 organizations from Phnom Penh, which involved a 2-hour fun and interactive session that climaxed with matches. These activities were funded by the FIFA Football for Hope (FFH) Programme which awarded ISF funding to run activities for players in our ’Sports for All Abilities’ Programme.

ISF uses its football programme to include players of all abilities; our activities provide opportunities for social engagement for persons with disabilities. This helps break down the social barriers that exclude such players from being active members of their community. The passion these players display and the joy they express for being included is overwhelming. Saturday’s tournament exemplified the spirit of sport for development and highlighted the successful integration of disabilities into our programme.

After a tough round robin heat, the finals were dominated by Krousar Thmey. The Girls Final saw Krousar Thmey Battambang meet Deaf Development Programme (DDP) Phnom Penh. Krousar Thmey BTB made a historic victory by defeating DDP PP 1-0 to lift the Barclays / ISF trophy. Meanwhile in the Boys final, Krousar Thmey Phnom Penh Team 3 met Krousar Thmey Phnom Penh Team 2, with Team 3 coming out the overall winners to lift the Barclays-ISF trophy with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out.

The Barclays-ISF Deaf Tournament 2016 concluded with a an awards ceremony and celebratory fun enjoyed by all participants both on and off the field. Thanks to Barclays, FIFA for Hope and all the ISF Football Staff for making such a wonderful event possible are looking forward to sharing more smiles and laughter with players of all abilities in the future!