Happy Football Cambodia Australia (HFCA) was formed in 2005. Our main purpose is to work with disadvantaged youth in Cambodia through the beautiful game of football (soccer). HFCA funds a weekly football program in Phnom Penh where up to 100 boys and girls get a break from their high pressure lives and come and play football for a couple of hours. Every year we aim to take a team of players to the Homeless World Cup where they dream of representing Cambodia on an international stage and have a life changing experience. Go to www.hfca.org.au for more details
Our partner organisations Cambodian Childrens Fund, Build Future Today and Happy School work with children who come from families who are living in extreme poverty, children who have been orphaned, lived on dumps or rescued from brothels or other forms of slavery. Our football programs offer these young people an opportunity to learn the skills required to play the game and learn how to be part of a team. We provide them with football boots and other gear as well ensuring they get the best possible coaching from our highly-skilled coaching staff, many of whom are former Homeless World Cup players themselves.
The HFCA team have been working hard to secure funds and sponsors to send the team to Oslo in Norway. We are asking you to dig deep and help us raise the funds to send Uon and Sochat, to join their team members in Oslo and give them this once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country.
“The opportunity that the HFCA program has afforded the BFT center is invaluable. This occasion gives our young men the potential to see new places and expand their horizon. This opportunity also may help to provide a greater sense of purpose through representing their home through an activity they love.” Mr. Sedtha Long, Founder & Director of Build Your Future Today Center (BFT), Siem Reap-Cambodia
“Before the Homeless World Cup I knew very little of life outside Cambodia. This week I meet many people from different countries. I learn so much about the outside world. I hope one day to travel again. I love the Homeless World Cup experience”
Ramao Man, Cambodian team player speaking after the 2016 Homeless World Cup, in Glasgow.
“In a developing country such as Cambodia and in the especially dire area where Cambodian Children’s Fund works, there are few opportunities to truly aspire and even fewer examples of those who have transcended their environment. The Homeless World Cup provides the youth here with hope and a tangible goal. Despite the desperation and struggles faced by these youths, there are living examples of those who have transcended their situation.”
Scott Neeson, Executive Director, Cambodian Children’s Fund (HFCA partner since 2009)
The 2017 Homeless World Cup commences on 29th August in Oslo, Norway. The team of 8 players has been selected and are training hard to represent their country. This will be the 10th Homeless World Cup in a row that Cambodia have been represented. Last year in Glasgow, the team finished 33rd (from 48), taking out the Mens Globe Trophy, and Chan Minea won Best Male Player of the Tournament.
Here is a little more information about Uon and Sochat:
Player Name: Uon Chhoeurn
Born: 2000
Joined HFCA: 2017
Partner Organization: Cambodian Children’s Fund
Position: Defender
Favourite Team: Barcelona
Favourite Player: Lionel Messi
I am a student at grade 10 at Chea Sim Sammaky in Phnom Penh under full support by Cambodian Children Fund since 2010. I played football since I was 10 years old and I have sent by CCF to HFCA since January 2017 and I play football for good health, friendship and opportunity to be as professional player.
How do you feel when you have been selected for the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup in Norway in August 29th – September 5th? I was so happy when coach selected me to play at the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup and Thank you coach.
What do you think after the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup? I will share of my experiences which I did in Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup to all of my friends and other people. I will take harder for the next dream such as study harder for passing my class and taking more attention for qualifying as professional footballer.
Player Name: Sochat Choeun
Born: 2000
Joined HFCA: 2015
Partner Organization: Build your Future Today.
Position: Defender
Favourite Team: National Ministry of Defence (Cambodian Premier League)
Favourite Player: Chan Vatanaka (Cambodia)
I am a student at grade 9 at Hun Sen Srach Srong high school in Siem Reap province which under supporting by BFT organization. I played football since 14 years old and I play football for healthy, friendship, reducing stress and avoid of drug.
How do you feel when you have been selected for the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup in Norway in August 29th – September 5th? I was very happy to hear which selected for playing at the 2017 Homeless World Cup and thank you coach.
What do you think after the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup? I will share what I did from the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup to all my friends and other people. Also after the Homeless World Cup, I will concentrate on my study for passing of their exam.
The funds will be used directly to help send the Cambodian players Uon and Sochat to the 2017 Homeless World Cup in Norway
HFCA is run by a small team who do everything they can to raise the funds needed to keep the program running. In addition, it is a challenge to raise the funds needed to send a team to the HWC each year. Costs include visas, passports, flights and living expenses.