Thanks for the memories

Two of PPCFC’s longest-serving players have recently parted company with the club. Bin Thierry, who joined the club in October 2012, and Leng Makara, who arrived at RSN in December 2011. Both players were an important part of our Championship-winning teams in 2014 and 2015 and both went onto deservedly represent the Cambodia national team during their time at the club. We would like to record our thanks and appreciation to both players for their service to PPCFC and wish them continued personal success in the future.

PPCFC and SALT Academy officially joined forces with NGO World Vision and sponsors Smart to kick-start the One Goal Pilot Programme, at a media conference yesterday (pictured above). The project fits into Smart's mandate to support education, environment and community sports and will allow World Vision to make a positive impact on youngsters in three provinces over the next year: Preah Vihear, Battambang and Takeo. One Goal will focus on children in those provinces receiving life skills and football coaching from coaches trained by PPCFC and SALT, who provide the technical expertise. Youngsters will train and play regular matches and enjoy a tournament at PPCFC later next year. Sam Schweingruber was at the official signing yesterday and has already started coaching the World Vision coaches to make this project a success.

Biggest ever deal

President Rithy Samnang and Smart CEO Thomas Hundt

Phnom Penh Crown sign what is believed to be the biggest sponsorship deal in domestic Cambodia League history as they join forces with telecoms giant Smart Axiata in a 3-year deal for an undisclosed sum. Smart will be the name on their jerseys from next season as well as joining Crown for community and CSR initiatives. Here's the 1st-Team joining in the press conference this afternoon at RSN.

The PPCFC 1st-Team at the press conference

PPCFC are proud to announce the signing today of a partnership agreement with Smart Axiata, who will become the official and exclusive telco partner of the club for the next 3 years. Club president Rithy Samnang said: "Phnom Penh Crown is very excited to welcome Smart Axiata as our main partner for the next three years. Not only will Smart become our main jersey sponsor, we are looking forward to working closely with them to develop football and sports-related community and social responsibility programs. Smart's ongoing commitment to support the communities they serve through their sporting, educational and public health projects, as part of their core company values, makes them the perfect partner for Phnom Penh Crown. Our club strives to make a real difference by developing our own youth academy, community and school programs and our involvement as agents for positive change in societal activities." 
The partnership was inked at a press conference at the club's RSN Stadium this afternoon attended by the media, Smart representatives and the Crown first-team squad. Smart's CEO Thomas Hundt added; " Smart and PPCFC share many common values. They are an outstanding club with an exceptional performance record... We are very happy to support this long-term vision from the club... This partnership is another of Smart's Major initiatives towards promoting community health while purposefully creating world-class football players." Smart already work closely with PPCFC and are this season sponsoring the PPCFC Academy in the Asia Champions Trophy. However, this new agreement takes the partnership to a new level, in what we see as exciting times ahead for PPCFC, Smart and Cambodian football.