Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) has opened a new Sports Facility, providing a safe environment for over 1,200 children to learn and play, thanks to the generosity of donors.
An overgrown wasteland near the old Steung Meanchey landfill has been transformed into a high-quality sports site with an artificial-turf football pitch, volleyball and badminton courts, and changing rooms and seating.
The area was once home to Phnom Penh’s notorious city dump, but with CCF’s support since 2004 is now a thriving community of hope and opportunity.
The facility was made possible with support from The Van Diemen Foundation, Levy Merchandising, part of Levy UK+ Ireland, and long-term supporters Christ Church Grammar School and St Mary's Anglican Girls' School in Australia.
Children living in poverty in areas such as Steung Meanchey have little chance to engage in sports and have limited access to safe recreational spaces to play.
CCF aims to address this gap, particularly for children in Steung Meanchey, who often face challenges of extreme poverty, domestic violence, malnutrition, and the toxic environment of the old rubbish dump.
The new Sports Facility will provide a much-needed outlet for their physical and emotional growth and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
The new Sports Facility has a football pitch
And a volleyball court
For many of our students, this will be their first real opportunity to engage in sports..with facilities of this quality, and enjoy the simple joy of play
Sport not only promotes health and well-being, but keeps children engaged and attending school through exciting extracurricular activities that stimulate young minds, build confidence, and create opportunities to shine outside the classroom.
More than 1,200 children from kindergarten through high school will benefit from the new sports playground.
“We are grateful to our supporters for helping to make this incredible new Sports Facility possible. For many of our students, this will be their first real opportunity to engage in sports in a supportive environment with facilities of this quality and enjoy the simple joy of play,” said Savy Lach, Global Chief Operating Officer at CCF.
“Through physical activity, they’ll build confidence, teamwork, resilience, and leadership — skills that will last a lifetime.”
