After two months of weekly play that delighted the communities surrounding ISF Sports Ground, our Community League has drawn to a close. Each Sunday in September and October saw twelve teams compete until only two remained. And on 27th October 2019 these rivals competed for the top spot on our international standard pitch. 

Competing for the gold were Tropang Veng FC and Flying Tigers. After 80 minutes of play, these evenly matched teams, reached a 3 to 3 draw, sending them into overtime. Twenty minutes later a champion was named. With a final score of 4-3, Tropang Veng FC defeated Flying Tigers. Coming in third place was Yuvak Chun Sangkat Tean FC and fourth place went to Yuvak Chun Bakou. Along with bragging rights, the top three teams earned trophies and victory prizes.

The final match was the culmination of thirty-four matches with 248 participants. Older team members or respected figures within the community act as Team Leaders. League play is open to young adults from age 16 to take part in these yearly competitions. 

Tropang Veng FC celebrate as winners of the 2019 ISF Community League series

How Sport Can Improve The Lives of Children

According to Marianne Engle, children participating in regular sports activities enjoy a range of benefits. The sports psychologist with the New York University Child Study Center states that these activities often reduce childhood anxiety and depression. Children can also receive self-esteem boosts, which may improve confidence and school performance. Also team interaction can help youngsters learn effective skills for interacting with both peers and adults. Integration into sports culture often times plays an important role in the school environment. When a child feels a sense of belonging in a team of peers, her school performance may well improve.

The Goal of ISF’s Community League

In support of grassroots football activities, ISF provides our pitch, kit and referees free of charge for this tournament. Our aim is to build connections with the local community and give youth access to sporting facilities they otherwise would not have.  ISF also uses Community League games as opportunities to encourage players to continue their education, take care of the environment, practice non-violent conflict resolution and lead a healthy life off the pitch.

Over the course of league play, ISF Football Programme Team members saw players forge friendships and team leaders arrange friendly games in the future. A few teams have become the official football representatives for their communities and will go on to compete in other, bigger leagues.