The 2016 Ian Thompson Memorial – ISF Boys Football Tournament was held on March the 5th at ISF Sports Ground, Phnom Penh. The Tournament combines the U10 Boys and U14 Boys Cups. Some 37 teams from Phnom Penh and 8 other provinces in Cambodia and more than 1300 people attended, making it an amazing day full of fun and joy, which promoted friendship and teamwork.

ISF has been running a grassroots Football Programme since 2006. In partnership with the Football Federation of Cambodia, ISF plays a key role in providing footballing opportunities to Cambodia’s most disadvantaged children. The programme has grown from 50 players in 2006 to around 3,800 in 2016, including deaf and hearing impaired players and players with intellectual disabilities.

Through a day of tough competitions, Next Step FC from Siem Reap emerged as the strongest team with the best tactics in the U14 division. The Taream School team from Kampong Thom dominated the U10 division. During the finals, Next Step FC beat the Chumkriel School team from Kampot in a nail-biting penalty shootout and was crowned as the U14 Tournament winner. The Taream School team defeated ISF CA to take home the U10 Cup for the very first time ever since their participation in the football programme.

It was a fantastic day of organized sports for Cambodian boys which promotes friendship and sportsmanship for supporters and players alike. The organization of the 9th tournament reflects the continued commitment of ISF and its sponsors to youth football in Cambodia and to the children benefiting from its football coaching programme which is developing players’ self-confidence, teamwork, communication skills and resilience.