SEAJBL and Angkor Kids Center Strengthen Youth Development Through Basketball in Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia – 29 November 2025 — The Southeast Asia Junior Basketball League (SEAJBL) and Angkor Kids Center (AKC) have officially launched a meaningful partnership aimed at expanding opportunities for children through sport, learning, and community engagement. Formalised in the SEAJBL x AKC Collaboration Agreement signed on 29 November 2025 , the initiative represents a shared commitment to enhancing basketball program development in Cambodia and using the game as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and long-term growth.
The partnership began with an inspiring visit to AKC’s center in Siem Reap, where SEAJBL League Player Ambassadors and members of the SEAJBL Cambodia team travelled to meet more than 100 children who regularly participate in AKC’s community programs. The atmosphere was filled with excitement from the moment the team arrived. For many of the children, this was their first direct experience with structured basketball activities, and the sense of curiosity and enthusiasm was immediate.
Throughout the morning and afternoon, SEAJBL ambassadors delivered a series of fun and engaging introductory sessions, focusing on simple skills such as dribbling, passing, footwork and shooting. The emphasis was not on perfection, but on confidence, laughter, and discovery—core ingredients in nurturing young players who are new to the sport. The children rotated through activities eagerly, and the joy on their faces reflected the universal power of play. As the session progressed, small groups broke out into fun mini challenges, forming new friendships and moments of teamwork that went far beyond basketball itself.
One of the highlights of the day came during a lively game of “Knockout”. What began as a friendly competition quickly transformed into an energetic celebration, with children cheering for one another, smiling through missed shots, and reveling in the pure thrill of participating. The game captured exactly what SEAJBL and AKC believe in: that basketball should be an accessible, uplifting experience for every child, regardless of background or circumstance.
To commemorate the event, SEAJBL gifted AKC a new basketball ring and basketball, ensuring that the enthusiasm generated during the visit could continue long after the team’s departure. This gesture was more than a symbolic exchange—it was an investment in the ongoing basketball program development in Cambodia, particularly in rural communities where resources are limited but the passion for learning and play is immense.
The newly established collaboration between SEAJBL and AKC outlines a long-term vision for strengthening youth development through sport. Both organisations will work closely to raise awareness for each other’s work, highlight inspiring community stories, and create more opportunities for children to experience basketball in structured and enjoyable ways. The agreement also provides a framework for SEAJBL to support AKC’s community projects through communication channels and optional donation pathways embedded within SEAJBL programs. In turn, AKC will help amplify SEAJBL’s presence across Cambodia and support efforts to introduce basketball initiatives not only in Siem Reap, but also in Phnom Penh and other developing areas.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the visit, this partnership signifies a broader, long-term commitment to grassroots development. SEAJBL CEO Fau Zii Chan expressed that basketball has the power to shape character and create lasting personal impact, especially when introduced to children at a young age. “Every child deserves access to opportunities that help them grow in confidence and discover their potential,” he shared. “Working with Angkor Kids Center allows us to reach communities that will truly benefit from structured youth sports programs. Together, we are building foundations that support the future of basketball in Cambodia in a meaningful, sustainable way.”
AKC’s leadership echoed this sentiment, recognising that introducing basketball within their learning environment gives children a new outlet for creativity, discipline, and joy. The organisation has long championed educational access for rural Cambodian youth, and integrating sports such as basketball adds an additional layer of enrichment that complements their existing programs.
Quarterly reviews will guide the partnership’s direction and ensure that both organisations remain aligned in their mission to create positive social impact. What makes this collaboration unique is its focus on long-term development rather than one-off events. By combining SEAJBL’s regional expertise with AKC’s deep community roots, the initiative aims to create a replicable model for basketball program development in Cambodia—one that can be expanded, adapted, and built upon for years to come.
As the children at AKC continue shooting hoops on their new basketball ring, the partnership now moves into its next chapter. SEAJBL and AKC look forward to building a future where sport becomes a gateway to education, empowerment, and opportunity for youth across Cambodia. This collaboration is more than a project—it is a shared belief that hope, possibility, and progress can grow from something as simple as a ball, a hoop, and a community that believes in its children.