Sixteen-year-old Sola* began playing football five years ago as a forward for her team of deaf and hearing impaired players. Currently a grade 10 student,  Sola cannot believe the positive impact sport is having on her physical and mental health and the joy it’s brought to her life.

Before joining her school’s team, Sola had never played football competitively – she would just kick a ball with her friends in her village. The opportunity to engage in competitive football, and to even access playing fields, is limited for most Cambodian children, especially those who are from an underprivileged background. Typically, girls have less access than boys, and access for disabled children is almost non-existent.

Now though, Sola trains once a week under the guidance of ISF’s coaches and is recognizing her health improving all the time: “I feel healthier and stronger in my body. I noticed that I’ve gained strength in my legs” she says. “I can kick the ball really hard and I’m good at dribbling. ”

When she plays football, Sola describes feeling a mix of emotions: confidence, pride for representing her school at a national competition, and just generally positive about her abilities. One of the joys that sport has brought her is the feeling of being part of a team. “Football makes me feel happy” she explains “I love to feel part of a team and I’ve build so many good relations on the football pitch. Some of my teammates are now my good friends.”

Sola dreams of going to university when she finishes her education and hopes to continue to play football in the future.

ISF’s Football Programme uses football to push for progress and inclusion to offer boys and girls from underprivileged backgrounds, as well as players with physical and intellectual disabilities, the rare opportunity to play football in a safe environment, while teaching valuable life skills and encouraging players to live healthier lives.

*Names of those under 18 have been changed.

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