ISF is very proud to be part of a programme that is not only supporting the participation of females in playing football but also in coaching. In 2008, Leng Chanthy (affectionately known as Srey Mau) was promoted from her cleaning position with ISF to our coaching programme. This resulted from the passion she’s shown in working with the children and her interest in football. ISF supported her participation in the Football Federation of Cambodia’s D License programme which is the first level of accreditation as a qualified football coach. This accreditation is given by the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and is the equivalent to the FIFA licensing programme in Europe.
Until May of this year there were no females in Cambodia who held a
C Licence.
The C Licence is a two week intensive course involving a test of physical skills as well as the theory of football knowledge. The course was not easy, Srey Mau did pass the skills part of the course on the first attempt. The theory proved more of a challenge to Srey Mau, who had no schooling prior to 2008. The reading and writing components of the course proved to be too difficult first time round. Srey May was offered a second chance, a challenge she accepted. Thanks to the support of the Football Federation of Cambodia and in particular, May Tola, who recognised this challenge and personally mentored Srey Mau in completing the theory part of the course, Srey Mau succeeded in passing the C Licence course.
Srey Mau is now one of only two females in Cambodia to have received the C Licence certificate and is delighted with her accomplishment as are ISF!
- “Srey Mau did well…with her practical coaching exam while she was assessed by both instructors Sovannara and Scott O’Donnell. She did a second oral exam with me. She impressed me with her ability of understanding. I just thought that by trying to exploit her potential to help her achieve what she deserved, it should be a pride not only for herself and ISF but also for Cambodian women…she is achieving her dream.”
May Tola
Deputy General Secretary
Football Federation of Cambodia