From the foothills to the field, Bhutanese youth embrace the joy and spirit of grassroots football, fostering community and teamwork through the beautiful game.
Grassroots football in Bhutan has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, with young children and teenagers from all corners of the country embracing the sport with passion and enthusiasm. Despite being a small country with a population of less than a million, Bhutan has develop a strong football culture.
From the high-altitude villages in the Himalayas to the urban streets of Thimphu, grassroots football has become a way for Bhutanese youth to connect with each other, form bonds, and develop their skills while having fun. This sport has become a key component of promoting physical activity, teamwork, and a sense of community spirit.
The objective is to ensure that all children between the ages of 6 and 12 in Bhutan have access to regular football play and receive a standardized and enjoyable teaching strategy. By providing a uniform approach, the aim is to promote physical activity and healthy living, while also fostering social connections and teamwork among young Bhutanese. Additionally, this objective seeks to encourage the development of football skills and techniques, which can help to build confidence and self-esteem in children.
The goal is to create a strong foundation of grassroots football in Bhutan, which will inspire the next generation of players and support the growth of the sport at all levels.
The vision is to create a fun, safe, and sustainable environment for all children in Bhutan to enjoy and participate in football. This environment will prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of children, ensuring that they are not only having fun but also developing important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and respect for others.
Empowering the future of Bhutanese football, our vision is to create a safe and inclusive environment where all children can learn, grow and play the beautiful game, fostering a lifelong love for football and promoting healthy living.
By creating a safe space, children will feel comfortable and confident to express themselves, try new things, and learn from their mistakes. Additionally, this vision seeks to ensure that football remains accessible to all children in Bhutan, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location.
By providing a sustainable platform for grassroots football, the hope is that more children will be encouraged to participate, and the sport will continue to grow and thrive in Bhutan for years to come.
Strategic Plans
The strategic plan for grassroots football in Bhutan is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the goals, objectives, and key initiatives that will guide the development and growth of football in the country.
This plan has been developed with the aim of creating a sustainable platform for grassroots football, ensuring that all children in Bhutan have access to safe, enjoyable, and inclusive football experiences. The plan is built on a foundation of values that prioritize equality, safety, fair play, diversity, and respect for all, and it seeks to promote physical activity, teamwork, and healthy living among young Bhutanese.
The strategic plan is a collaborative effort that involves key stakeholders in the football community, including government agencies, local communities, and football organizations. Through a shared commitment to this plan, the hope is to create a strong foundation for the future of football in Bhutan, inspiring a new generation of players and promoting the sport at all levels.
- Achieve AFC Gold Accreditation by 2028
- Establish an Advanced grassroots training program for both boys and girls by 2024
- Organize Mini Dragons League in four districts by 2024
- Transition of U-8s to U-10s, U-10s-U-12s and U-12s to U-14s
- Support club academies by providing training equipment, and monetary support, and conduct coaching courses for academy coaches/refreshers course
- Maintain data
- Monitor the existing grassroots program in schools and increase it if need be.
- Collaboration with the Ministry of Education and implement football for schools.
- Reach 50,000 participants across Bhutan.
- Increase girls’ participation at the grassroots level
- Create a safe and fair playing level field for both boys and girls
ACHIEVEMENTS
Bhutan Football Federation achieves AFC Grassroots Charter Silver membership, paving the way for enhanced grassroots football development in 2022 and beyond!
Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has recently achieved an upgrade in their membership status with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Grassroots Charter. The BFF has been awarded the AFC Grassroots Charter Silver membership, which is a significant milestone for the development of grassroots football in Bhutan.
The AFC Grassroots Charter is a set of guidelines that focuses on the development of football at the grassroots level. It aims to encourage and promote the growth of football by providing support and resources to member associations. The charter provides a framework for member associations to establish and develop grassroots programs, and it recognizes the achievements of those who successfully implement the charter’s principles.
The BFF has been a member of the AFC Grassroots Charter since 2017 and has been working towards the goal of achieving the Silver membership status. The BFF has made significant progress in developing grassroots football in Bhutan by implementing various programs and initiatives.
The BFF has conducted grassroots football festivals across the country, which has provided an opportunity for children to learn and play football in a fun and safe environment. The federation has also trained grassroots coaches and referees to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality coaching and officiating to young players.
The AFC Grassroots Charter Silver membership is a recognition of the BFF’s commitment to developing grassroots football in Bhutan. It will provide the federation with additional resources and support to further enhance the quality of grassroots football programs in the country.
The BFF’s achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the development of football in Bhutan. It is a positive step towards the growth and success of football in the country, and it will inspire more young players to take up the sport and develop their skills.
The BFF’s achievement is a significant milestone for the development of grassroots football in Bhutan, and it highlights the importance of investing in grassroots football programs to promote the growth and success of the sport.
AFC Grassroots Charter Bronze Membership 2018
AFC Aspiring Member Association of the Year, 2016
AFC Aspiring Member Association of the Year, 2017
Second Place, UEFA Assist U15 International Tournament 2019
Third Place, SAFF U15 Women’s Championship 2018
Semi-finalist, SAFF U18 Men’s Championship 2019