Bhutan Football Federation Takes a Stride Towards Professional Coaching: The BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching Course
In a significant development for the world of football coaching in Bhutan, the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has initiated the groundbreaking BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching Course. This course not only signifies a step forward for the nation’s coaches but also reflects the evolving nature of football in the modern era.
Football, with its ever-changing trends and techniques, demands coaches to stay at the forefront of knowledge and innovation. The BFF’s forward-thinking approach to education in the sport is evident in its collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to introduce the first-ever BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching Course.
Led by the esteemed Mr. Vaithilingam Subramaniam, Technical Director of AIFF and former Technical Director of BFF, the course aims to elevate coaching standards from the conventional level to a professional zenith. Divided into carefully structured module-based sessions, this course spans nine months, with modules 1, 2, 3, and 6 conducted within Bhutan. However, the course’s international exposure is not limited to theory, as module 4 unfolds in Patiala, India, fostering an exchange program with Patiala Academy coaches. Module 5, meanwhile, unfurls its wings in Saudi Arabia, providing participants with insights into professional coaching practices there.
In the context of the course’s content, module 1 casts a spotlight on critical aspects of the game such as the phase of play in an 11 v 11 scenario, attacking development from the midfield, and the interplay between possession and penetration strategies. Counter-attacking manoeuvres, functional play, and attacking set plays also form integral components of the module.
| Course Program : | ||||||
| Sl No | Module | Particulars | Date | Tutor | Total Days | Venue |
| 1 | Module 1 | Techcal/Tactical/team Management | 19th Aug to 31st Aug | Main Tutor | 13 Days | Bhutan |
| 2 | Module 2 | Techcal/Tactical/team Management/Assessment | 10th Nov to 23rd Nov | Main Tutor/External Tutor | 14 Days | Bhutan |
| 3 | Module 3 | Match Obs/Leadership/Assessment | 22nd Dec to 02 Jan 2024 | Main Tutor | 12 Days | Bhutan |
| 4 | Module 4a | Position Specific Coaching by FA England | 01st Mar to 12th Mar | External Tutor (FA England) | 12 Days | NIS India |
| 5 | Module 4b | Analysis/Match Obs/Student Exchange | 14th Mar to 19th Mar | Main Tutor | 6 Days | NIS India |
| 6 | Module 5 | Professional Club Study Tour | 21st April to 30th April | Main Tutor and External Tutor | 10 Days | Saudi Arabia |
| 7 | Module 6 | Growing Professionally/Assessment/Interview | 19th May to 24th May | Main Tutor | 6 Days | Bhutan |
A pivotal aspect of this coaching course lies in its potential to serve as a stepping stone toward the prestigious Pro Licence, a must-have qualification for head coaches leading clubs and national teams. This move aligns with the club licensing system and competition department requirements, underlining the necessity of having a Pro Licence head coach at the helm.
Mr. Kinley Dorji, the head of coaches education and Transport United FC’s head coach, emphasizes the holistic approach the BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching Course adopts. He highlights the significance of upgrading coaching licenses for coaches, including national players below 20 and 23, both male and female, in adherence to the mandatory Professional Diploma License.
The involvement of international partners, such as FA England, adds an exciting dimension to the course. The international student exchange program in India presents an opportunity for Bhutanese coaches to experience diverse coaching strategies and trends. This cross-cultural exposure is poised to refine coaching methodologies and broaden perspectives, ultimately nurturing well-rounded footballing expertise.
As module 5 unfolds in Saudi Arabia, participants will gain invaluable insights through professional club visits and exchanges with seasoned coaches leading teams in the Saudi league. This unique exposure promises to unveil the intricate dynamics of managing professional players and teams, further enhancing the course’s impact.
Mr. Kinley Dorji aptly summarizes the course’s essence by stating, “As a coach, I think there are many new things to be learnt as a professional coach, and it will really develop to enhance the performance of the players, at the same time to update and upgrade coaches ourselves and to have the highest quality and qualification of the coaching profession.”
In a time where football is an ever-evolving landscape of strategies and innovations, the BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching Course stands as a beacon of progress, ensuring that Bhutan’s coaches are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the modern football arena. This initiative not only benefits coaches but promises to transform the performance and development of football within the nation.
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