Educating 120 street-working children in Cambodia

  Last year we formed our first soccer team, or football if you prefer, at the Lotus Kids Club.  It was a boys team as many boys were interested in playing and we only had the time and funds to support one team.  Another NGO in town organized tournaments between different NGOs.  We didn’t have uniforms as the other teams did for the first couple games.  The players asked if we could also get some for them.  We searched and found a generous business in town who provided uniforms for them.  This seemed to inspire them and they started winning games. 

  We had a good coach who volunteered his time and he worked the kids hard at practices but was respectful to them and made sure they had fun too.  It was our first year joining the tourney so we weren’t expecting great success but hoped the kids could learn good sportsmanship and have fun.  As it turned out, perhaps thanks to the uniforms and the good coaching, these players walked away with the championship trophy.  All would not have been possible without the help given by a caring business and the time and effort given by the volunteer coach.  What can make a difference is giving in any way one can.

  This year, as we have always hoped, we formed a girls team.  We thought it would be a challenge to get enough girl players, we were wrong.  We had enough girls to form 2 teams. Thrilling!  And these girls really wanted to play.  Practices were scheduled to be held at a time they were in school.  They lobbied to rearrange the practice schedule and convinced the coaches to do so.

  We have not secured uniforms yet but an NGO has provided coaches for us.  Games haven't begun yet so we have time still to get outfits for players.  The girls have been practicing equally as hard as the boys and having fun.  They have been rewarded for their hard work already.  From all the NGOs participating four of the LKC girls were chosen to be part of a team representing Siem Reap in a tournament in the capital city of Phnom Penh.  Girls will be participating from the various provinces in Cambodia.  Who knows perhaps for these girls this is the first step to being on the women’s national team.  Proud and happy for all the players participating.  Thanks to all who help LKC to thrive and grow, we could not do it without you. 

  One last note about soccer.  Our PS/K kids play once a month thanks to the generosity of the soccer pitch owners. LKC 1 vs LKC 2.  I think LKC 1 has the most wins.  Future stars in the making!