Charlie Pomroy had moved to Cambodia in 2011 with a desire to help others. As a football (soccer) coach he met an extremely talented, young player, Keo Sophal, and asked him about pursuing a career as a professional athlete. Sophal’s response was surprising, especially coming from a 19 year old. “First I help Cambodia, then I help myself.” Sophal and Pomroy have found a way to achieve their dreams together. They founded Next Step in 2014, based in Siam Reap, the fifth largest city in Cambodia. From the outside the company seems like a simple sports program serving underprivileged youth. It is, however, much more than that. Pomroy and Sophal view football as a way to bring communities together and improve the lives of the children they serve. Sophal believes “Team spirit is the most important thing in football.” The hope is that giving these youth a purpose and a sense of belonging will boost everyone up, improving the lives of the people of Siam Reap, then perhaps all of Cambodia. Then, who knows? Maybe the world….