English footballer Charlie Pomroy booked a one-way ticket from London to Delhi in 2011 with a life goal of inspiring. Little did he know that five years later he can be managing Next Step FC in Cambodia alongside a superb 19-year-old footballer who believed he could change the world around him, Keo Sophal.
Our higher worldstorytelling initiative led by Singapore International Foundation, spoke to the founders of Next Step FC concerning the inspiration behind creating the one centre of excellence in Siem Reap dedicated to developing future Khmer skilled footballers.
Pomroy told Our Better World that when he first met Sophal, he was immediately drawn to him. He was a really talented player, he could do anything. After the match, he pulled Sophal aside and said: “Why are you continue to here? You ought to be in China. Go to Thailand. Play like a professional.” This is his time.”
With deep conviction, Sophal said he didn’t wish to go there. “First I help my country, then myself.”
Pomroy founded Next Step FC in 2014, guided by Sophal’s concept that football has the facility to vary lives, communities and countries. “It’s very rare to find someone who puts the journey of others before his own. Sophal is a very special boy,” Pomroy said.
Today Next Step FC offers young Khmer girls and boys the most effective probability to make a profession in football. They provide top of the range coaching on the pitch to enhance their technical and tactical skills and knowledge, the possibility to play against the most effective academies in Cambodia and exposure to the most effective coaches.
Off the pitch, Next Step FC also offers social and practical skills for all times. Sophal told Our Better World: “My vision is for my team to be made up of professional footballers with a high level of education who can help the country.”
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