PHNOM PENH — The Boeung Ket Football Club has used a match on Dec. 27 as a platform and donated $1 from each ticket sold to help the people who had to relocate in camps due to the Cambodia-Thai border conflict. Moreover, the fans had been asked to bring toys to donate to the children in the camps, and thousands of toys such as stuffed animals were collected at the match in Phnom Penh.
During the Cambodian Premier League Week 13, host club Boeung Ket defeated Svay Rieng 2–1 on Dec. 27 at the National Olympic Stadium in front of 20,005 football fans.
Boeung Ket club President Puth Thyda said the donation initiative was organized to enable football to play a role in helping society amid the ongoing crisis. And this was carried out in cooperation with the club’s partners to support the displaced people and children, she said. “As we all can see, our country is currently facing serious difficulties.
“I want football to play a role in helping society,” Thyda said. “This initiative came through cooperation with our club partners, aiming to support displaced people and children affected by the crisis.”
The strong show of support of the football fans at the game for people in the camps was truly moving, she said.
“It is really hard to describe in words: seeing around 20,000 people come together to show their love and support is very meaningful,” Thyda said. “This effort helps displaced people who are going through hardship. War is extremely difficult, and I want football to be one way to support our country during times of crisis and help reduce pressure through the game.”
Thyda added that the club’s support goes beyond a single event. “We have been raising funds on a daily basis, including organizing food distributions for displaced people, soldiers, and many other victims,” she said. “We will continue and expand these activities moving forward.”
According to English midfielder Charlie Scott, foreign players feel a responsibility to give back to Cambodia and have praised fans for their unity in this conflict.
“Cambodia has opened its arms to people from different countries who live and work here,” he said. “It’s only right that we come together and give something back. Every small contribution helps bring a smile to a child’s face.”
Boeung Ket Football Club has also served as a donation center in Phnom Penh since Dec. 12, supporting people affected by the border conflict in several provinces.
Having raised more than $20,000 and collecting over 20,000 toys at the match, the club plans to gather the donations at its donation center and then take them to refugee camps.
