Playing the right way

The Academy boys line-up for the camera at half-time. They won 3-1.

The tables were turned this morning, as the Phnom Penh Crown first-team squad watched the Academy youngsters show their mettle against arch rivals Preah Khan Reach and run out deserved 3-1 winners. It was a crunch game in the regular Indochina Starfish football competition for various age groups with the Academy U13 players playing against a PKR team who were at least a year older. I arrived at Crown's Tuol Kork training center a minute after kick-off and the game was already being played at a frenetic pace with the Academy boys passing the ball with precision and deservedly leading 1-0 at the interval. PKR had a few older and bigger boys in their team and weren't afraid to dish out some of the rough stuff, with one of their aggressors seeing a red card late on and a few others getting yellows. The Academy boys kept their cool and ran out 3-1 winners, avenging a 5-2 defeat earlier in the competition. They were ecstatic, and rightly so. They are a joy to watch, play the game the right way and enjoyed their success. Yue Muslim netted twice with En Sodavid grabbing the other. The Crown boys have now won eight matches and lost two in the Starfish league. And are well worth watching.

En Sodavid shoots and scores for the Academy team

Coach Bouy Dary (blue) gives the youngsters instructions at half-time