ISF Spreads Social Impact Curriculum in Cambodia

October 18, 2019 

Last week, Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF) conducted a training on bespoke social impact curriculum created in partnership with Coaches Across Continents (CAC). Both organizations were shortlisted for the 2018 Beyond Sport Global Awards. 

ISF’s Football Programme led four action-packed days of travel and sport in Battambang, Cambodia. Each year, the team brings its Football Festival to a Cambodian province to spread grassroots football and social impact lessons. 

This year they ventured to Phnom Prek commune, a small community near the Thai border. Arriving after a nine-hour bus ride, Samaki Primary School staff were on hand to give them a warm welcome. 

Over the course of the festivals two days, a multitude of football activities and small tournaments were held under the guidance of ISF Head Coach Sovath. Activities included: shooting, passing, ball control, juggling, friendly matches and small team games. 285 children and youth in total participated in the two-day Football Festival.

While the children enjoyed fresh air and sport, 25 teachers and principals learned how to use football to create social change under the guidance of three ISF coaches, highlighting ‘Purposeful Play’ in addressing key social issues. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals act as its framework. 

The workshop taught a series of activities and games promoting gender equality, teamwork and conflict resolution. At the end of the training session, participants created coaching plans for their players. The ultimate goal of this lesson plan was reducing inequalities and helping players to contribute to society through healthy habits and attitudes.

ISF’s Football Programme uses these events to build grassroots football support, build relationships with other schools and to share social impact lessons to countryside coaches. The lessons push for progress and inclusion while teaching valuable life skills and encouraging players to live healthier lives.

In 2018, Indochina Starfish Foundation was Shortlisted for the Sport for Health and Well-being category, while Coaches Across Continents won the Global Impact of the Year category. Learn more about the 2018 Awards here.