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CJ Coaching Chief of Operations Jay Wood explains the youth tournament structure to all the HFCA coaches. Image Mik La Vage

HFCA were delighted by the efforts of our close partner CJ Coaching who did an outstanding job.  
"CJ Coaching were honored to organise the youth tournament for our NGO partner HFCA. Hosting the HFCA20 event at the Morodok Techo National Stadium was a special experience, a world-class venue with outstanding facilities, all for a great cause"Jay Wood, Chief of Operations CJ Coaching 

Nan Rot from Siem Reap, getting ready for the boys tournament. Image Mik La Vage

Teams show their respect for Khmer culture and supporters before a match. Image Scott Rotzoll

HFCA's Founder Paraic Grogan introduces HFCA's Australian Board Chairperson Lynn Ciurlionis to our NGO partners CCF Founder Scott Neeson and BFT Founder Sedtha Long. Image Scott Rotzoll

Chhim Meyly strikes for goal as her opposite player Channa tries her best to stop the shot. Image Scott Rotzoll

Oroong Village team from Siem Reap try to score from a free kick in girls match against team from Phnom Penh. Image Scott Rotzoll

(L to R) HFCA Board Member Emily Pearson, HFCA Coach Borey Soun, HFCA Chairperson Lynn Cuirlionis & HFCA Coach Sreynon Eng. Image P Grogan

Phnom Penh based player Nita heads for goal against Siem Reap's Goalkeeper Pisey in a high quality girls match. Image Scott Rotzoll

Nan Rot, aged 13, also shared his thoughts. “I am very happy because I have never played on such a beautiful pitch. Today’s experience makes me even more determined to play football. Even though I’m small, I want to become a skilled player who can play for a club. I will work hard to reach that goal,” he said.

"As the Founder of BFT, seeing these youth from Siem Reap experience their capital city for the first time—visiting the Royal Palace, seeing the Mekong River, and representing their villages at the National Stadium—was truly moving. It was a dream come true for them, one that will inspire not only their future in football but also their belief in the power of possibilities." Long added 

"The HFCA20 event was a remarkable opportunity for 32 boys & girls from our partner villages like Sras Srong and Oroong, to come together and compete. It was more than just a football tournament; it was a celebration of youth, unity, and the potential of rural communities" Sedtha Long, Founder BFT (Build your Future Today)

“Even though my village team lost to the Phnom Penh team because they are stronger, I am not discouraged. I will keep training hard so I can win next time. I won’t stop playing football — I want to continue until I grow up. I dream not only of playing for a club, but also for the national team one day,” she added.

One of the stars of the day was Chhim Meyly who, alongside her village team mates, travelled a total of 800 km for a round trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
“I train and play regularly with HFCA in Siem Reap, but I never imagined I would get to see Phnom Penh and play at the Morodok Techo National Stadium. It is so beautiful — I have never seen anything like it,” she said.

"It was a pleasure to meet Borey and Sreynon, they represent what these programs are about. Consistent support, strong leadership, and positive female role models that help young girls feel seen, capable, and supported." HFCA Australian Board of Management member Emily Pearson

The sixty four players taking part in the Under 16 youth tournament were split 50/50 into two groups of girls and boys with each playing their own tournament side by side on four pitches. All eight teams had three matches each & professional referees ensured all games were played to a high standard. 

08 January 2026

HFCA's 20th anniversary event welcomes underprivileged youth for once in a lifetime tournament 

HFCA20: Two Decades of Impact celebrations in November 2025 allowed HFCA to give some of our lucky program participants the opportunity to showcase their football talent in the 60,000 seater Morodok Techo National Stadium.  

 

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