Its been a very long journey for Saray to change his life and without the amazing support of our partner CCF (Cambodian Children's Fund) and Scott Neeson who knows what path he would have taken.
What a wonderful adventure Emirates organised for Saray Seng as he travelled with his hero Udom to experience the amazing city of Dubai and the natural beauty of UAE. Its been a very long journey for Saray to change his life and without the amazing support of our partner CCF (Cambodian Children's Fund) and Scott Neeson who knows what path he would have taken.
Saray’s success is quite an achievement considering where he has come from. He didn’t even kick a football until he was almost 10 years old, having not had the chance to participate in any sport. The youngest of six children, Saray grew up in Prey Veng – one of Cambodia’s poorest provinces where farming is the only industry – and lost both his parents within a few months of each other by the time he was five. He ended up staying with an aunt in Phnom Penh, who, in need of support, took him to CCF when he was eight. It was through CCF that he discovered sport and a passion for football, eventually joining the HFCA program in 2015.
I didn’t know that I loved football, I didn’t know about sport. My friends said I should go to football training. I enjoyed it but at first, I didn’t do well but I tried. I can still remember my first proper match on real grass. My friends encouraged me and I started to take it seriously, to play and practice. HFCA selected students to be involved with them and I was one of the top five.
- says Saray.
On being selected to travel with Udom to Dubai “I was shocked when they said my name because I did not expect to be selected,” says Saray, an unassuming, polite young man. In 2017 HFCA picked Saray to represent Cambodia at the Homeless World Cup in Norway. He was a great Ambassador for Cambodia in Olso and once again in Dubai. Everyone at HFCA & CCF is proud of him and the fine young man he has become.
We are really happy to have worked with HFCA on this collaborative effort. HFCA brings an opportunity like no other for disadvantaged youth in Cambodia through the medium of football. It was an honour for us at Emirates to have been part of this collaborative effort and we hope to see more collaboration in the future and to provide more opportunities to the youth in Cambodia.
- Emirates’ Country Manager for Cambodia, Mr. Talal Al Gergawi was very supportive of Saray's trip to Dubai
I would like to congratulate Saray and all the players that participated. They have truly showcased their excellent football skills and we at Emirates wish them all the success.
- Talal also acknowledged Saray and other HFCA players
Specials thanks to our friends at Emirates, Arabian Gulf League and Redhill Asia for organising this magical trip for Saray.
