Song Sarim, a full-time football coach here at ISF, was one of our first students to go through our Education and Football programmes in their entirety.

Sarim grew up in Phnom Penh’s Stung Meanchey district and was 13 years old and working as a garbage scavenger on the streets near his house when he first met ISF’s country manager. Shortly after, he joined ISF’s Catch-up Education Programme and was supported by ISF all the way through state school to grade 12.

Throughout his time at ISF, he was a keen football player and actively involved in our Football Programme. Recognising his talent and commitment to the sport, our Football Programme staff offered him opportunities to referee and to train and work as a coach part-time. By the time Sarim finished grade 12, he was was offered a full-time position as a coach at ISF.

Sarim decided to train as a coach because he wanted to help children that shared a similar background to him. For many of the young players, Sarim is a role model, providing leadership and technical training to enhance their skills and as well as teach them valuable life skills. Through a bespoke football for social impact curriculum, Sarim introduces players to important local and global issues such as education, drug and alcohol abuse, gender equality and more which contributes to positive behavior change on and off the pitch.

ISF’s inclusive Football Programme offers boys and girls from underprivileged backgrounds the rare opportunity to play football in a safe environment, with the ultimate aim of reducing inequalities and helping players to integrate into society and develop healthy habits and lifestyles. Sarim coaches players from schools and organisations within and outside of Phnom Penh, including players who are deaf/hearing impaired and takes great pride in his work: “I like this job so much because I like working with children in schools outside Phnom Penh and providing the guidance that  they need to become good players and adults in their communities” he explains.

When asked about the challenges he faces in his job, Sarim acknowledges having limited English proficiency as an obstacle.  Currently our Employment Support team are trying to assist Sarim with finding a suitable English course but meanwhile Sarim is teaching himself through online tools. Our Employment Support team are also working to give him and all our Football Programme staff careers counselling and guidance.

While Sarim loves what he does he’s also got his sights set on trying other things and hopes to one day launch his own business providing truck rental services.  He also has a dream of opening his very own small football academy to train disadvantaged Cambodian children to become professional players. Whatever the future holds for Sarim, we know that he’ll bring enthusiasm and commitment. We’re delighted to have seen Sarim grow from the child he was when he started ISF to the role model he’s become now.

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