PHNOM PENH TO GO THE EVERTON WAY

The academy aims to give the opportunity for 22 selected boys aged under 13-year-old to hone their skills without compromising their academic pursuits.

“We are following the internationally acclaimed ‘Everton Way’ training programme that has produced players of such calibre as Wayne Rooney, David Unsworth, Francis Jeffers and Richard Dunne,” said Phnom Phen Crown owner Rithy Samnang.

“The search for Cambodia’s Wayne Rooney begins.”
Towards realising that ambition, the PPCFC has appointed the New Zealand based Asia Pacific Football Academy, which works in unison with Barclays Premier League side Everton.

A nationwide search led by APFA coaches next month will be used to recruit the academy’s first batch of students.

“The players will have the opportunity of training six days per week, 45 weeks per year, with no disruption to their academic schedules,” said Bouy Dary, who will be overseeing the coaching elements at the academy.
“There will be times during the year when the players and their families can exchange brief visits.”

Rithy Samnang revealed that the USD120,000 annual running costs would be defrayed by the club and all their current sponsors and co-sponsors.

The academy will be housed at Crown’s current training facility in Toul Kork.
“It is a step in the right direction and the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) wholeheartedly support this scademy,” said FFC General Secretary Ouk Sethycheat.

Construction work on Phnom Penh Crown’s facility is well underway and, when complete, will boast a dormitory, recreation room, training pitch, study room, dining hall and changing rooms.