From Power Cuts to Pitch Opportunities

Common Goal and adidas have teamed up to support a Cambodia community with an environmental project 

With Phnom Penh, Cambodia, facing new challenges due to the effects of climate change, adidas and Common Goal’s Move For The Planet global activation is looking to help one organisation tackle these problems head-on. 

The rainy season in the Cambodian capital is now lasting longer due to climate change and the more frequent power outages that have resulted have meant Common Goal Community Organisation Indochina Starfish Foundation has had reduced access to their sports facilities. 

For an organisation that seeks to enable access to education and sport for underprivileged children, it is a disadvantage to be challenged by constant power outages arising from the change in rainy seasons.

Through the funding, these facilities were refurbished, and the programme was able to maximise the use of the facilities, meaning an increase in participation for young people in the community. 

This project had three core actions that integrated and reinforced the opportunities for the community.

Developing sustainable sports infrastructures:

The organisation installed solar lights in three of their education centers and sports pitches to illuminate sport facilities and enhance accessibility for children to play. However, it goes further than this, as the solar lights and the energy generated have the potential to produce income for the community in an environmentally sustainable way.

Sustainable management process: 

To reinforce the strategy, the organisation strengthened their programme focusing on reducing plastic waste by replacing single-use plastic items with sustainable and reusable equipment.  Their ‘Zero Plastic Policy’ was implemented, and a significant reduction of single-use plastic within the organisation occurred by purchasing 910 reusable water bottles, 265 reusable bags for football kits, and 2,162 sets of reusable cutleries for events. Additionally, 25 recycling bins and six compost bins were placed around ISF premises to enhance correct waste management and compost production.

“We are all thrilled to widen our action contributing to plastic reduction and environmental protection,” added Vicheka Chourp, Chief Executive of Indochina Starfish Foundation. 

“Thanks to the Move For The Planet fund, ISF will drastically reduce the use of single-use plastic, increase the use of clean energy and educate the communities we serve to respect the environment.”

Education on environmental sustainability and sports:   

As part of the education plan for young people in the community, a sports-based environmental awareness education programme, including environmental protection, plastic reduction and climate action, was delivered to young people in the communities.

There were also workshops on plastic overconsumption, reduction and recycling held for all staff and students.Staff partners from schools and NGOs were involved as well to act as role models and lead change for new leaders.

In 2023, ISF Cambodia received training from Spirit of Football (SoF) to develop over ten new football-for-good games. The new toolkit is now available and ISF football coaches have started implementing these new games, focusing on plastic reduction and waste management, reaching more than 1,800 players.

ISF staff provided training to educate 933 ISF students and their parents and guardians on environmental protection, plastic reduction, and waste management..  Collaborating with local authorities, the organisation organised clean-up events and engaged communities through initiatives like the ISF Parents Green Committees.

“Young people in Cambodia need to know how to preserve the environment and about sustainability,” said Pagna, a programme participant. “This knowledge is very important to make them change their habits, and love and care about the environment. A good environment makes them live in good health,” the 11-year-old participant added.