HAPPY FOOTBALL
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| “Dane's journey from the HFCA Girls Academy into the PKR Svay Rieng Women’s team reflects the intentional pathways HFCA are building for disadvantaged Cambodian girls. Our Girls Academy, supporting players from age eight upwards through to their early 20s, is unique in Cambodia, and Dane’s progression highlights the impact of that model.”Brett White, HFCA Director of Football |
Dane in action for her new club. Image PKR Svay Rieng FC
Dane features in club PR to promote the first match of the new season against Boeung Ket FC. Image PKR Svay Rieng FC
Having come from a poor family who lost their home when she was child to joining the ranks of professional footballer Dane wants other girls in her community to know anything is possible but warns that its a steep mountain to climb.
"My tips for the HFCA girls would be to show great dedication and commitment to playing. This isn’t something easy to pursue and requires a lot of persistence and consistency. Not only are we training on the field, but we have to work on our fitness and strength in the gym too." explained Dane ''It will be very challenging and overwhelming for those who've never undergone intense training before."
Dane as a HFCA player runs out before a big against PKR Svay Rieng FC Womens Team in October 2022. Image P Grogan
PKR Svay Rieng Women FC is a prominent women's football team based in Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia. Representing one of the country's most successful and popular clubs, the team competes in the Cambodian Women's League, showcasing talented female athletes dedicated to excellence on the pitch.
Dane is enjoying training with her new club. Image PKR Svay Rieng FC
Dane (white jersey centre back row) & Christopher Grant (black shirt centre back row) to her right in the group shot for the two HFCA VIP Teams. Image Scott Rotzoll
Dane (centre) with PKR Svay Rieng's Christopher Grant and HFCA'S Paraic Grogan after the signing ceremony. Image PKR Svay Rieng
Dane (back row right in the middle) with her HFCA Womens teammates before a match against Phnom Penh Crown FC in early 2023. Image P Grogan
Dane with fellow HFCA players at our new kit launch in 2022. Image P Grogan
Dane makes her debut for her new club in a league match against Battambang FC on the 10th of May. Image PRK Svay Rieng FC
Dane (back row 3rd from left) with her HFCA team mates before an away match against PKR Svay Rieng FC in October 2022. Image P Grogan
| Having recently just turned 19 and starting her first year in university, Dane then took on a new challenge of a one week trial at PRK Svay Rieng. ''I trained among other old women players. During the trial, you must show passion to play, paying attention and trying to put your best effort when practicing. Honestly, I wasn’t confident with myself during the training because I still lack a lot in strength and technical skills. But I guess the coach sees potential in me and that's why they signed me"
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Dane meeting Christopher Grant for the first time last November at the Morodok Techo National Stadium was a hugely significant moment for her.''At the HFCA20 celebration event, that’s where my starting point of my professional football career began. Both myself and Chris were playing and after seeing me play he encouraged me to attend trials for his club Women's Team.'' said Dane ''That’s where my desire spark once again, I wanted to give it a try and my hard work and effort that I’ve put in have paid off."
''Dane Rin signing her first professional contract is a fantastic moment, not just for her, but for everyone involved in her journey. HFCA has played a vital role in providing a platform for young players to access proper training, facilities, and competitive opportunities." said Christopher Grant, GM of PRK Svay Rieng FC ''Dane Rin is a clear example of how important community-based programmes like HFCA are in creating real pathways into the professional game."
In 2023 HFCA Women's Team joined the top Women's league in Cambodia and Dane was an integral part of our squad ''Playing for HFCA against teams like Phnom Penh Crown FC, PKR Svay Rieng FC and Army FC was a very important part of my development as a footballer'' said Dane "Competing against strong and experienced teams provided me with a broader exposure to intensiveness and competitiveness of Women’s Football in Cambodia."
Ms Kram continues ''When we invest in girls’ football and education, we empower a generation of healthy, educated, and fearless young women who can change their families and communities forever. Great thanks to HFCA for providing amazing opportunities to Dane to join their wonderful football training program."
Dane joined CCF aged 7 when tragedy struck her family after their home in Steung Meanchey, Phnom Penh was burned down and suddenly homeless and without hope her family reached out to CCF. With their support Dane's life changed for the better and CCF assisted her to get a full scholarship for grade 6 to 12 to the prestigious ISPP (International School Phnom Penh).
“Dane Rin proved that a girl’s future is not defined by poverty, but by courage, opportunity, and determination. Through football, she transformed pain into purpose, becoming stronger in body, wiser in education, and more confident in life. Football is more than a game for girls — it builds discipline, leadership, emotional resilience, teamwork, and hope."Ms Sokchannoeurn Kram, Country Manager, Cambodian Children's Fund
'Dane's long journey from extreme poverty to professional footballer is one HFCA hope will inspire underprivileged Cambodian girls to believe they too can achieve their dreams"Paraic Grogan, HFCA Founder.
Dane joined HFCA in early 2022 from our NGO partner CCF (Cambodian Childrens Fund) and embraced the opportunity "Playing football with other CCF girls at HFCA programs was a really enjoyable and meaningful experience for me. It gave me a chance to connect with girls who shared the same love for football and together we created an encouraging environment."
HFCA Academy graduate signs 1st professional contract with top Cambodian women's football team
Former HFCA (Happy Football Cambodia Australia) player Dane Rin joins PKR (Preah Khan Reach) Svay Rieng Womens Team and is destined for big things in Cambodian football.
''HFCA supported me throughout my football journey by giving me the opportunity to train, compete, and develop both as a player and as a person. HFCA always welcomed me and allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for football. I dreamed of making it big one day, but deep down, I never really believed I was good enough to play professionally. But life is full of surprises" Dane Rin, former HFCA player
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