The Sport And Leadership Training (SALT) Academy is investing in children’s future by empowering girls and boys through soccer training, education and life skills programs. This act is ultimately showcasing soccer’s impact in Cambodia.

Poverty in Cambodia

Cambodia saw terrific progress in poverty reduction between 2009 and 2019, where rates fell from 33.8% to 17.8% of the total population. However, COVID-19 overturned some of this progress and an estimated 460,000 people have fallen below the poverty income threshold. In most countries, poverty disproportionately affects the young and the same can be said about Cambodia. In 2014, child poverty rates were above the total population, affecting four in 25 children.

Daily challenges for Cambodian children encompass poor hygiene, limited access to clean water and child labor. Additionally, they face heightened vulnerability to trafficking, exploitation and early marriage. In a country where 52% of the population is under 25, the financial burden often shifts to the youth, impeding their ability to finish school and attain aspirational jobs.

SALT

Established in 2006, SALT is a Christian international organization committed to shaping a promising future for Cambodia’s youth. Currently, its approach weaves together sports, education and discipleship to empower young individuals. It aims to create a meaningful impact and foster growth within the Cambodian community. While only 8% of Cambodians attend college, 50% of SALT Academy’s “Mighty Men” and “Mighty Girls” were enrolled after the program.

Mighty Girls

SALT’s flagship initiative, Mighty Girls, extends a hand to 20 teenage girls from underprivileged and impoverished villages. Correlated with poverty, most apparent in rural areas, young women and girls are vulnerable to having their basic rights violated. SALT designed the Mighty Girls project to provide crucial training, housing and educational avenues otherwise inaccessible to these individuals. 

It has become a “safety net” for individuals at risk of human trafficking. The program has also fostered girl’s education and advanced the cause of gender equality. Though not a conventional solution to problems caused by poverty and gender norms, SALT’s Mighty Girls program has supported more than 50 girls and their players make up the backbone of Cambodia’s Women’s teams and up-and-coming stars.

Linda and Kimlechang’s Story

Stories from Linda and Kimlechang reveal soccer’s impact in Cambodia. Soccer saved Linda from becoming a victim of early marriage. Succeeding in a football competition was crucial in ensuring she did not give up her freedom, education and passions. “SALT Academy gave me the opportunity to become educated, to gain leadership skills, to access university, to dream of a higher career and better future and to become a role model for the community,” says Linda, who is now the Program Manager and full-time staff at the charity.

Financial hardship and domestic abuse in Kimelchang’s household meant her siblings had to support the family, leaving them with very few prospects. However, after making her way to SALT Academy, Kimleang thrived in the combination of sport and education. After graduating in 2018, Kimleang expressed her desire to pursue further studies in the United States (U.S.) and harbored dreams of working for the Cambodian Football Federation.

The soccer programs launched by SALT offer access to essentials like education and empower children to break the cycles of poverty and gender stereotypes, planting hope for a brighter future. In addition, these initiatives offer a structured and positive outlet, alongside instilling a sense of purpose and belonging that goes beyond the challenges faced by young girls and boys at home. Overall, it catalyzes change by imparting essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline and resilience.

– Sam Waterkeyn
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