When you think of Gaelic football, the last place you might expect to find it being played is on the fields of Cambodia. Yet, this traditional Irish sport is rapidly gaining popularity in the Southeast Asian country, with Phnom Penh now boasting three Gaelic football clubs. In this article, we explore the surprising rise of Gaelic football in Cambodia, examine how it is being received by locals and expats alike, and ask what is behind the explosive growth of this unique and exciting sport in a place so far from its roots.
Sovann ThidaAva, who goes by the name Ava, was abandoned as a baby on the streets of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. She was taken in by a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) for disadvantaged children, where she was raised. During her time in care, Ava became close to the other girls in the organisation and grew up with them in one group. In 2018, Ava was offered the chance to attend a Gaelic football training session by a newly formed club Cairde Khmer, founded by Irishmen Conor Wall and Paddy Campbell. Ava initially found the rules confusing but soon became one of the team’s best and most fearless players. Cairde Khmer attracted a steady stream of Cambodian players, including Touch Phanouch and Vat Sreypov who had always longed to play but were not encouraged to participate in sports like football. Cairde Khmer made history by being the first team to compete in the Gaelic football World Games in Derry, Northern Ireland. The club is raising funds for the trip, which provides an opportunity for the team to meet superstars in the sport and learn more about the origins of Gaelic football. The team see Gaelic football as a chance to travel the world and broaden their horizons. For Ava, the sport has given her a sense of community and the opportunity to meet new people outside of her care environment.
In conclusion, the unexpected success of Gaelic football in Cambodia is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together across cultural and linguistic barriers. From humble beginnings, the sport has grown to become a beloved pastime for both local and expat players, creating a unique community that celebrates both the spirit of competition and the joy of camaraderie. As Gaelic football continues to spread to new corners of the world, it will undoubtedly continue to bring people together and inspire the next generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
