Barnaart and Kenny Memorial League: New Amateur Football League to Kick Off in Phnom Penh
This Friday marks the beginning of a new chapter in Phnom Penh’s sports scene with the launch of the Barnaart and Kenny Memorial League. The inaugural match will see Riel Phnom Penh go head-to-head against Royal FC at Boeung Trabek High School (វិទ្យាល័យ បឹងត្របែក), kicking off at 7:30 PM.
View the official event post here
This new football league is set to offer the capital’s amateur players a taste of top-flight football, featuring full-sized pitches, a complete referee and linesman setup—including a fourth official—and comprehensive match coverage available online. The competition promises to be a thrilling addition to the Kingdom’s growing sports culture, building on the momentum of the Cambodian Premier League’s record attendance and the Kingdom’s successful hosting of the SEA Games earlier this year.
Honouring Two Sporting Legends
The Barnaart and Kenny Memorial League is more than just a football competition; it is a tribute to two extraordinary men who dedicated their lives to sports and community development in Cambodia. Established by two local clubs, the league honors the memory of James Kenny and Billy Barnaart, whose passion for the Kingdom and its sporting development was unparalleled.
James Kenny, an Irishman who played and coached with Riel Phnom Penh, was also a beloved PE teacher at CIA First International School in Phnom Penh. His dedication to sports extended beyond the classroom as he volunteered with various football and Gaelic teams, sharing his love for the game with young Cambodians. Tragically, James passed away on November 12 last year after a courageous battle with cancer, at just 29 years old.
Billy Barnaart, a Dutchman who coached the Bayon Wanderers FC, was equally influential. A physiotherapist by profession, Billy was one of the founders of the Jeanine and Billy Children’s Foundation, established in 2007. The foundation supports orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS, providing them with a loving environment and quality education. Billy’s philanthropic efforts were recognized by the Dutch government, which awarded him the title of Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2017. Billy passed away on November 22 last year, following a major heart attack at the age of 71.
A League for All
The Barnaart and Kenny Memorial League aims to continue the legacy of these two men by providing a platform for emerging talent to compete at a higher level. With nine teams from across the world, including players from Africa, America, Europe, the UK & Ireland, and a significant portion of Khmer players, the league fosters strong and healthy relationships between people of all races and nationalities.
Each team will field a full squad of 25 players, offering ample opportunities for young talent to shine. The league will feature four games every weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—at Boeung Trabek High School, with all highlights posted on Facebook.
Admission to all matches will be free, ensuring that the Kingdom’s football-mad fans can cheer on their heroes without any financial barriers.
A Word from the Organizers
Karl Doherty, one of the league’s organizers, shared his excitement about the launch:
“We are beyond thrilled to be going ahead with the Barnaart and Kenny Memorial League. Personally, we have players of all abilities from all over the world playing, and the league will continue to grow and promote amateur football in the city while also fostering strong and healthy relationships between people of all races and nationalities.”
“Billy and James were both good football men but also just good human beings who gave so much of themselves to Cambodia, especially James in such a short space of time. I am sure they would be proud of what we are trying to achieve here, and I’m just proud to be a part of this.”
The league opener will be held at Boeung Trabek High School on Friday, August 23, at 8 PM, with games scheduled throughout the weekend. The full schedule is available on the league’s Facebook page.
For sponsorship, pitchside advertising or other enquiries, please reach out to the administration team through the Barnaart & Kenny Memorial League social media channels or via email at bkmemorialleague@gmail.com.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
