HFCA

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 for up to 100 boys and girls and every year we aim to take a team of players to the Homeless World Cup, a life changing experience, representing Cambodia on an international stage. Go to www.hfca.org.au for more details. 

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.

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 Sokla Som and Sochat Choeun, 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)

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 funds will be used directly to help send the Cambodian players Uon and Sochat to the 2017 Homeless World Cup in Norway..

Here is a little more information about Sokla and Sochat:

Family Name: SOM 

First Name: SOKLA 

Year born/DoB: 10 May 1998 

Joined HFCA: 2009 

Partner Organization: HFCA

Family Background: I lived with my parents in the slum village a long river in Phnom Penh. My father is motor taxi driver and mother is housework. There are five children in my family and I am a 4th child. One of my brother has attended the 2008 Homeless World Cup.

Individual Background:  I dropped school at grade 6 for no one can support me for school. I used to attend training of Khmer Traditional Boxing in Phnom Penh but I have dropped for my parents asked me to stop with this career. I played football since I was 10 years old and I have sent by Riverkids foundation to HFCA program since 2011 and I played football for healthy, good communication with people, gets more friends and especially for becoming as professional footballer.

How do you feel when you have been selected for the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup in Norway in August 29th – September 5th?  I am so happy for opportunity to play at the 2017 Homeless World Cup and I am looking forward to seeing all players who coming to play and other people in Oslo City in August. Thank you so much coach, Jimmy for giving me to play at this international football tournament.

What do you think after the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup?  After Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup, I will share all experiences which I have to all my friends and family and especially, I am looking for any professional football club for attending for making of my football skills to qualify for Cambodia national footballer who can play at SEA GAME which hosting by Cambodia country at 2013.

Position: Attacker 

Favorite Team: Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodian Team) 

Favorite Player: Neymar
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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)

Individual Background: 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. 

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.