Grassroots Football

Ganga Ram

From Grassroots to Greater Purpose: The Journey of Ganga Ram Ghalley

Ganga Ram Ghalley, a proud son of Samtenling (earlier known as Bhur), the very place where the international airport of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is taking shape and he stands today as a dedicated force behind grassroots football and youth development in the region. His journey with football began humbly in childhood, playing on village grounds with nothing more than a sock ball and pure passion. Those simple beginnings planted a lifelong love for the game, one that would later evolve into a mission to serve his community through football. Currently serving as the District Football Coordinator and Youth Coordinator of Gelephu Mindfulness City, Ganga Ram coaches footballers across all levels. He works closely with schools, training students in fundamental football skills while instilling discipline, teamwork, respect and values that go far beyond the pitch. Beyond coaching, he actively organizes friendly matches for senior players to promote health, harmony, and lifelong engagement with sport. His efforts also extend across borders, with Bhutan–India friendly matches aimed at strengthening people-to-people relations. Complementing these initiatives are small but meaningful youth volunteer programs, encouraging young people in Gelephu to contribute positively to their community. One of the most personal and spiritual aspects of his journey is a sacred stone gifted by His Majesty The King during the international airport earth-breaking ceremony. Ganga Ram has placed this stone on his altar, treating it as a blessing and a symbol of responsibility. Through daily prayers with this stone, he offers his quiet devotion to the success of Gelephu Mindfulness City honouring His Majesty’s vision. Reflecting on the growth of football in GMC, Ganga Ram notes a remarkable transformation. What was once informal and limited has now become organized, inclusive, and youth-focused, aligning closely with community wellbeing and long-term development. Looking ahead, he carries a strong hope that a well-managed and competitive Gelephu Football Club will soon represent the city with pride, discipline, and purpose on larger platforms. For Ganga Ram Ghalley, giving back is deeply personal. He speaks with gratitude of the community that raised him, whose constant encouragement fuels his commitment. Serving through football, he believes, is his small but sincere contribution to the nation. To supporters and football lovers, his message is simple yet powerful:Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, let us grow the game and build a stronger, healthier, and more united community. A grassroots hero with a clear vision, Ganga Ram Ghalley’s story is a reminder that meaningful change often begins on the smallest grounds with passion, service, and belief.

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Groundsman

Meet the man behind the success of every football match and event at Bhutan Football

For thousands of Bhutanese fans, the Changlimithang National Stadium is a place of passion, pride, and unforgettable football memories. But behind every perfectly prepared matchday, behind every clean technical area, behind every smooth-running event, stands a man whose dedication often goes unseen: Sunil Subba, a groundsman who has quietly become one of the most essential pillars of Bhutan’s football operations. Originally from Lhamoizingkha under Dagana, Sunil never imagined his life would one day revolve around football turf, stadium tunnels, and late-night match preparations. Before joining the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), he worked as an independent entrepreneur running an arts and prints business until 2018 before he joined Bhutan Football Federation. Six years later, Sunil has become a familiar face at Changlimithang Stadium, a man whose love for the game and dedication to his duties make him far more than just a groundskeeper. Sunil has always been a football fan long before he became a staff member. Working inside Changlimithang has allowed him to watch countless national and international matches, a privilege he cherishes deeply. Over the years, he has met many great Bhutanese players, something he describes as an honour he never expected to experience. Sunil’s day begins like a clock set in motion often from 10 AM and sometimes stretching beyond midnight, depending on fixtures and event requirements. From pitch inspections to matchday preparations, his job demands consistency, physical endurance, and an unshakeable sense of responsibility. Many of the tasks he performs go unnoticed by the public, yet they are vital to ensuring flawless match execution. These include: Venue preparation: Pasting AD boards, setting up press conference spaces, and ensuring all event areas are clean and organized. Pitch and equipment checks: Assessing turf safety, preparing extra balls, checking first-aid kits, and arranging spare kits and refreshments. Facility management: Cleaning dressing rooms, removing litter, and ensuring all areas leave a positive impression on teams and officials. General stadium upkeep: Maintaining cleanliness across VIP/VVIP galleries, technical zones, and stands before and after every match. Every detail matters player safety, match readiness, and the stadium’s overall atmosphere depend heavily on the efforts of Sunil and his team. Maintaining a football pitch in Bhutan is no easy task. Sunil navigates extreme weather patterns, heavy monsoon rains, and altitude-related climate variations. Monsoon seasons bring waterlogging that can damage turf and suspend matches. Freezing winters make the ground brittle and unsafe. Hotter regions cause grass stress, demanding strategic irrigation. Despite these challenges, he prepares pitches through strategic aeration, drainage inspection, and constant monitoring always prioritizing pitch safety over rushed preparation. Some of the most essential tools in his work include turf cleaners, grass cutters, and manual equipment used daily to maintain field reliability. Among many tournaments and international fixtures he has worked on, certain memories stand out. For Sunil, watching Paro FC defeat Abu Muslim FC and witnessing Bhutan’s victory over Hong Kong: China remain moments of pure pride. Knowing that he and his team worked tirelessly behind the scenes makes each win feel like a personal achievement. Sunil believes fans are the heartbeat of Bhutanese football. Their presence, their cheers, and their unwavering loyalty make the players stronger and the sport more vibrant. “Every roar, every chant, and every shared moment of joy pushes the game forward,” he says with pride. “Fans inspire players, motivate workers like us, and strengthen Bhutan’s football community.” He encourages supporters to continue embodying the spirit of respect, passion, and sportsmanship that defines Bhutanese football. Their support, he says, helps grow the game from grassroots pitches to the international stage. Subba may not wear a team jersey or score goals, but the game depends on people like him, people who work in silence, yet contribute massively to the beauty, safety, and success of Bhutanese football. From the lush green pitch to the spotless stadium corridors, Sunil’s hard work is woven into every match that fans enjoy. He is one of the many unsung heroes ensuring that Bhutan’s football shines bright, match after match, season after season.

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BFF Youth League, 2025

Building the Future of Bhutanese Football: The BFF Youth League, 2025 concludes

The curtain has come down on the highly anticipated 2025 BFF Youth League, marking another successful chapter for grassroots football in Bhutan. The tournament, which kicked off on July 1st for the boys and July 3rd for the girls, once again showcased the brightest young talents from across the country. This year’s edition not only delivered thrilling football but also emphasised the growing community support for youth development, highlighted by the presence of special guests, including FIFA’s Mr. Eric and Bhutan Football Federation’s Technical Director,r Mr. Chencho, who were on hand to present certificates and honour the outstanding performers at the finals. The boys’ competitions featured competitive action in both the Under-14 and Under-16 categories, with ten teams participating in each division. The Under-14 semifinals saw a narrow victory for Transport United FC, who edged out Southern City FC 1-0, while Paro FC stormed into the final with an emphatic 4-0 win over Samtse FC. The final proved to be a thriller, as Paro FC battled hard to overcome Transport United FC 3-2, lifting the Under-14 title. In the Under-16 category, Thimphu City FC delivered a standout performance by defeating Ugyen Academy 3-2 in a gripping semifinal, while Tendruk Academy edged out Transport United FC with a 2-1 win. The final between Thimphu City FC and Tendruk Academy was closely contested, with Thimphu City FC emerging victorious by a 2-1 scoreline to claim the Under-16 championship. The girls’ division featured four teams in the Under-14 category and five teams in the Under-16 category. With no semifinals held, the top two teams advanced directly to the finals in both age groups. In the Under-14 girls’ final, Transport United Ladies FC edged out Paro FC 1-0 in a tightly contested match to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, in the Under-16 final, Ugyen Academy WFC proved too strong for Transport United Ladies, securing a convincing 3-0 victory and taking home the title. The Youth League also honoured outstanding individual performers who shone brightest throughout the tournament. In the Under-14 boys’ category, Paro FC dominated the awards. Karma Tshering Gyeltshen was named the Most Valuable Player, Sonam Rinchen finished as the top scorer with six goals, and Sonam Choda was recognised as the Best Goalkeeper for his heroic saves. In the Under-16 boys’ category, Tendruk Academy’s Karma Jigme Wangyel took home the MVP award, while Sayon Lama of Transport United FC won the Top Scorer title with ten goals. Tendruk Academy’s Kinley Nenda was deservedly awarded Best Goalkeeper after a string of impressive performances. For the girls’ category, Tenzin Etsuko Wangmo from Transport United Ladies was named U-14 MVP, while Thinley Yangden, also from Transport United, secured the Top Scorer title. Sonam Yangchen completed a clean sweep for Transport United by winning Best Goalkeeper. In the U-16 girls’ division, Ugyen Academy WFC’s Tendi Wangmo claimed MVP honours, Sonam Yeshi Choden finished as Top Scorer, and Tenzin Yuden was awarded Best Goalkeeper, marking a dominant showing for the team. These individual accolades not only highlight the exceptional talent present in Bhutan’s youth ranks but also play a crucial role in motivating young players. Awards like MVP, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper help identify future stars who could progress to national teams or professional clubs. They also inspire young athletes to remain committed, work harder, and strive for further success. The BFF Youth League continues to serve as a critical platform for nurturing young footballers while reinforcing values like teamwork, discipline, and respect. By recognising both team triumphs and individual brilliance, the competition fosters a positive football culture and promotes sustained grassroots engagement across Bhutan. As the 2025 BFF Youth League concludes, it leaves behind memories of great matches, rising stars, and a hopeful future for Bhutanese football. 

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Bhutan Earns Silver at FIFA Forward Awards 2025 for Infrastructure Excellence

Bhutan Earns Silver at FIFA Forward Awards 2025 for Infrastructure Excellence

A proud moment for Bhutanese football.  The Bhutan Football Federation has been awarded Silver in the inaugural FIFA Forward Awards for Asian Member Associations for its impactful infrastructure development and the Construction of Four Artificial Pitches across the country. Launched in January 2023, the FIFA Forward Awards aim to celebrate and recognise outstanding football infrastructure projects implemented by Asian Member Associations with the support of the FIFA Forward Programme. Out of 12 strong applications submitted from across the continent, our project stood out for its strategic significance in promoting grassroots and elite football development. The Silver Award puts us alongside some of Asia’s most progressive footballing nations. Only five Member Associations received this honour in the infrastructure category. We shared the Silver tier with the Bahrain Football Association and the Uzbekistan Football Association, while Indonesia, Thailand, and the Kyrgyz Republic took home the Gold. The award was received by the Vice-President of the Bhutan Football Federation, Mr. Pema Dorji and the General Secretary, Mr. Ugyen Wangchhuk, during the FIFA Executive Football Summit 2025 in Miami, USA, today. This award reaffirms our strategic vision and consistent progress toward building a strong football culture from infrastructure to grassroots to international competition.

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Mini Dragons League

The Mini-Dragons League, 2024-25 concluded yesterday

Coinciding with the 9th birth anniversary of His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Namgyal Wangchuck, the Mini-Dragons League 2024-25 came to an exciting conclusion on February 5, 2025. This began on January 10, 2025, and saw young talents from across the country competing enthusiastically in a league cum knockout format. Champions and Final Results In the Under-12 (U12) category, Thimphu City FA emerged as champions after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Juniors FA. The young players showcased excellent skills and determination, making it a thrilling final. In the Under-10 (U10) category, Juniors FA claimed the title with a dominant 4-1 win over Paro FA. Their teamwork and attacking play stood out, securing them a well-deserved victory. In the Under-8 (U8) category, Samtse FA triumphed over Transport United FA with an impressive 5-2 scoreline. The young footballers displayed great energy and talent, making it an exciting match for the spectators. Thimphu City FA won the final of the U12 category with the scoreline 2:1 The Champions of the u10 category Junior FA. The champions of U8 category-Samtse FA This year’s Mini-Dragons League saw strong participation, with 13 teams competing in the U12 category, 14 teams in the U10 category, and 11 teams in the U8 category. The tournament provided a great platform for young players to develop their skills and gain valuable match experience. The competition was not just about winning but also about fostering a love for football among children. It encouraged teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship—qualities essential for future football stars. The Mini-Dragons League 2024-25 was a resounding success, showcasing the bright future of Bhutanese football. With such enthusiasm and talent on display, Bhutan can look forward to developing strong footballers for years to come.

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Atsushi Nakamura

Mr.Atsushi Nakamura Appointed the New Head Coach For the Senior Men’s National Team.

The Bhutan Football Federation is excited to announce the appointment of Atsushi Nakamura from Japan as the new head coach for the Senior Men’s National Team. In 2023, Nakamura led Henan Baier Zhongyuan Zhijian FC (Kaifeng Songyun FC) in China, achieving an undefeated season. Prior to that, from September to November 2022, he became the first Japanese manager to coach an Indian team when he took the helm at Sudeva Delhi FC in the I-League. Additionally, in 2022, Nakamura served as a youth coach for Wuhan Three Towns FC in China. Nakamura’s coaching career includes a successful period at Tochigi City FC in Japan’s fifth tier from 2020 to 2021, where his team finished third while remaining undefeated in 2020. From 2018 to 2020, he was the head coach of Bhutan’s U19 and U16 national teams, also acting as the National Academy Head Coach. During this time, his U18 team won the Bhutan Super League Division 2 in 2018 and finished as runners-up at the UEFA Assist U15 International Tournament in 2019, defeating teams from Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, and qualified for the 2020 AFC U-19 Championship by winning their group. Most recently, in late 2023, Nakamura took on the role of Sports Director for Tokyo 23 FC.

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BoB Football Summer Camo

The BoB Football Summer Camp 2024 concluded successfully.

The BoB Football Summer Camp 2024 concluded successfully.The Bhutan Football Federation in collaboration with the Bank of Bhutan- Engaging Summer through football which kicked off on 1st July 2024 concluded today.Over 150 kids participated in the BoB Football summer camp which was held at Changlimithang Stadium and Changjiji Academy ground.

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24th BFF Congress

New Executive Members Elected

The Bhutan Football Federation would like to congratulete Mr. Pema Dorji, General Secretary of Paro FC, on being reelected as Vice President of the Bhutan Football Federation.  Additionally, we extend our congratulations to Mr. Hishey Tshering, President of Thimphu City FC, Dasho Singye Palden Yonten, President of RTC FC, and Mr. Jigme Tsewang, President of Transport United FC, on their election as Executive Members of the Bhutan Football Federation. We also would like to congratulate Mr. Chencho Norbu, on his reelection as an Executive Member and Ms. Zimbiri for being reelected as the women’s representative.

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Vacancy For The Post of Technical Coordinator, Head of Goalkeeping, TDS Manager and Youth Coach

The Bhutan Football Federation is pleased to announce the vacancies for the following for recruitment: SN Post Slot Qualification Station Appointment 1 Technical Coordinator One AFC A Diploma Thimphu   Contract   2 Head of Goalkeeping One      AFC B Diploma Goalkeeping 3 TDS Manager One  12 Passed & AFC B Diploma 4 Youth Coach One Minimum AFC B Diploma Tendu, Samtse TDS The Roles and Responsibilities and the documents required as followed: SN Roles and Qualities Documents Required Technical Coordinator ·     Experienced in managing the administration   for a technical and or technical department, ·     Should have an understanding of basic football administration principles and functions, ·     Should have the ability to work as a team member and work independently, ·     Should have the understanding the current BFF and Football Development Programs, ·     Should be a dynamic thinker and worker, ·     Should have excellent communication skills and ·     Should be good at computer literacy and presentation skills. ·        Hold minimum AFC A Diploma, ·        Copy of Security Clearance Certificate, ·        Copy of Medical Fitness Certificate, ·        Copy of CID Card and ·        NOC from the employer if selected for the post.   Head of Goalkeeping ·     Two years working experience with the football clubs and National Teams, ·     Should have the experience of managing goalkeepers during the transition phase into senior and international Football, ·     Should have the interest in Goalkeeping Coach Education, ·     Should have the understanding of Long-term Players Development (LTPD) Principles, ·     Should have the ability to work as a team member and to work independently, ·     Should possess a modern, progressive approach to Coaching and Learning and ·     Should have excellent communication skills. ·         Should have AFC B Diploma in Goalkeeping, ·         Copy of Security Clearance Certificate, ·         Copy of Medical Fitness Certificate, ·         Copy of CID Card and ·         NOC from the employer if selected for the post.   TDS Manager ·      Should be able to manage all TDS Program under the directives of the TDS in line with STDP, MTDP and LTDP, ·      Should provide leadership for the TDS staffs, ·      Should assist in the planning of Youth National Team Activities, which fall under active TDS category, ·      Should lead the annual programs of TDS Teams, individual players and coaches with the development objectives and preparation for the competitions, ·      Should guide and coordinate Regional Elite Youth Coaches for TDS Programs, ·      Should elaborate and conduct extensive TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM, ·      Should institute a TDS Technical Panel to ensure a fair/transparent selection process for Elite Youth Plan, ·      Should conduct/coordinate workshops, Conferences (AFC) and MA Courses and RFA Workshops and ·      Should MONITOR, ARCHIEVE Elite Youth Coaches and Players Development. ·         Class 12 passed ·         Should have minimum AFC B Diploma, ·         Copy of Security Clearance Certificate, ·         Copy of Medical Fitness Certificate, ·         Copy of CID Card and ·         NOC from the employer if selected for the post. Youth Coach ·      Should be able to design and deliver age-specific training sessions that cater to the developmental needs of youth players, and should possess decision-making abilities, ·      Should be able to develop individualized coaching plans for players, provide feedback and support to facilitate their growth and development, ·      Should organize and oversee youth competitions, tournaments, and events, whereby it will provide opportunities for players to display their skills and talents. ·      Should monitor and evaluate the progress of youth players regularly, whereby it will identifying the areas for improvement and implementing strategies to address any deficiencies and ·      Should foster positive relationships with players, parents, and guardians, whereby it will maintain open line of communication and addressing any concerns or issues in a timely and professional manner.  ·        Should have minimum AFC B Diploma, ·        Copy of Security Clearance Certificate, ·        Copy of Medical Fitness Certificate, ·        Copy of CID Card and ·        NOC from the employer if selected for the post. Interested Bhutanese applicants may apply for the post. Application along with the following documents must be submitted to the Administration/HR Office of Bhutan Football Federation at Changlimithang on or before 17 June 2024. The documents required are available on our website https://bhutanfootball.org Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted through email or phone call to attend the interview. For any queries kindly reach us through email at bffbhutanfootball@gmail.com

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The BFF celebrates AFC Grassroots day

The Bhutan Football Federation celebrated AFC Grassroots Day today at Gelephu Public Ground, graced by the presence of Gelephu Thrompon, the Technical Director of Bhutan Football, the National Team Director of Bhutan Football Federation, coaches from Gelephu Girls Academy, and teacher and students of Gelephu Lower Secondary School. Additionally, celebrations took place at Rangjung Central School in Trashigang, Pema Lingpa Central School, and Kharsa Primary School in Bumthang, as well as with the monks of Tamzing Dratshang in Bumthang. A total of 460 students and 34 monks participated in the event.The primary aim and objective of the program were to:1. Encourage individuals of all ages, genders, and abilities to engage in football activities, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sport.2. Provide opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of playing football.3. Promote the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of participating in football, highlighting the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.4. Utilize football as a means to unite communities, promote social cohesion, and cultivate positive relationships among participants, families, and local stakeholders.The Bhutan Football Federation extends its gratitude to Gelephu Dasho Thrompon, the principals and management of Gelephu Lower Secondary School, Pema Lingpa Central School, Kharsang Primary School, Rangjung Central School, and the management of Tamzing Dratshang for their support and collaboration.

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