The Barclays-ISF Youth League 2014-2015 season officially launched on Sunday, November 30 at Phnom Penh’s Old Stadium. Thanks to support from Barclays, the league has grown significantly since its inception in 2007. The fun, one day tournament kicked off the regular season that will see players compete at league matches every Sunday from November 2014 to April 2015.

The 2014/15 season is bringing together 62 participating teams from partner organisations, schools and community groups from Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu and Kandal provinces. An increase on last year’s figure of 52, this year’s league is benefitting around 1000 girls and boys.

One of the highlights of the day was the participation of two new organisations who travelled from the Vietnam border and Kampong Speu to take part in the tournament. Despite the distance, the teams were thrilled to take part in the league and experience tougher competition. Due to a lack of football opportunities in their provinces, these teams have made the fantastic commitment to travel to Phnom Penh each weekend to participate in the Barclays-ISF League.

The opening day played host to a round robin competition for 5 different divisions including U14 Boys Champion League, U14 Boys Premier League, U10 Boys League, U14 Girls League and U18 Girls League.

As the strongest teams of the day played into the afternoon heat, competition also heated up and the pressure for a place in the finals grew. Despite fierce competition and some fantastic footwork, there could only be one winner in each division. In the finals, play grew ever more exciting as players determined to progress grew ever more competitive. Matches went to penalty shoot-outs with supporters surrounding the pitch and urging their teams on. Representing the boys, Juice Master United took the U14 Champion title, Scherini F.C took the U14 Premier title and Covehead Gunners took the U10 Boys title. Winning the U14 Girls division was The ISF Flying Tigers and SCV took the U18 Girls title.

ISF’s Football Programme Chairman, Leo Brogan observed, “The standard of play from all teams was absolutely fantastic for so early on in the season, and it is set to be the best league season yet.” The cheering and laughter in the air showed the sportsmanship that characterises ISF’s Football Programme and the determination and passion showed the focus and drive that football is developing in the young players.

Chourp Vicheka said, “We can forget how exciting the football season is and to have a day of 62 teams coming together with continual laughter and cheer is incredibly powerful. It is fantastic to see 10 new teams join this year’s league and we wish them all the best in their debut season.

The sixth Barclays-ISF league opening could not have happened without the funding of Barclays whose support not only makes this fantastic day possible, but also provides 6 month of competition, passion and fun to young Cambodian – Thank you Barclays! Many thanks also to the ISF Football Programme team for ensuring a smooth-running successful event for all.