BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
โฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐’๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ 5,478 ๐ช๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ 2023
Sonam Deki
The football coaching program in Bhutan is witnessing a remarkable surge in enrollments as more and more children eagerly sign up for training, creating a buzz of excitement within the Bhutanese football community. This surge in enrollment is a testament to the growing wave of young talent in the country who are wholeheartedly embracing the sport.
The program, operating at the grassroots level, goes beyond merely honing technical skills. It places equal emphasis on instilling core values such as teamwork, discipline, and personal growth among the budding football enthusiasts. By nurturing not only their physical abilities but also their character, the program aims to develop well-rounded individuals on and off the field.
“The response has been phenomenal,” expresses Phuntsho Wangdi, the Director of Media and Marketing at the Bhutan Football Federation, who is elated by the program’s growth. “In just one year, the number of enrolled children has witnessed a significant surge. In 2022, we had 4,500 registered participants all over Bhutan, and now, in 2023, the numbers have risen to a staggering 5,478 children enrolled for football coaching,” Wangdi reveals.
Every weekend, these enthusiastic youngsters undergo training sessions at various locations, including Changlimithang, Changjiji, and private football pitches.
Wangdi further highlighted the significant increase in the enrollment of young children in the football academy. “Parents are increasingly recognizing the benefits of early exposure to structured training and expert guidance,” he explained. The aim is to provide a nurturing environment where children can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the sport. The program emphasizes the importance of starting at the grassroots level to lay a strong foundation and cultivate interest from an early age.
Coaches at Changjiji also share their insights into working with the young talents. They emphasize the inherent curiosity and unwavering desire to learn exhibited by the children. While it may present initial challenges due to their tender age, understanding their unique needs and engaging them becomes easier over time. The coaches draw immense motivation from witnessing the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the budding players.
Children who have joined these football academies are thrilled to receive specialized coaching tailored to their age and abilities. Tashi Namgyal, a 9-year-old participant, expressed his excitement, saying, “I love playing football, and being a part of the academy has allowed me to learn from experienced coaches. It’s not just about improving my skills; it’s also about making new friends and having fun on the field.”
Lekden Dorji, a 10-year-old, shared how football coaching helped him overcome shyness and become more outgoing. “I’ve learned to communicate better with my teammates and express myself through the game,” he explained. Sangay Thinley, a 9-year-old, highlighted the physical challenges and sense of achievement that come with the sport, motivating him to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Rigzin Dorji, a 7-year-old, emphasized the importance of teamwork learned through football coaching. “It’s not just about individual skills; it’s about working together, supporting each other, and trusting your teammates,” he said.
These valuable lessons extend beyond the football field and apply to other areas of life as well.
With an increasing number of parents acknowledging the advantages of structured training and specialized coaching, football academies have emerged as prime destinations for nurturing young talent and cultivating a deep love for the beautiful game. Parents are not only satisfied with the quality of coaching provided but also witness the positive impact it has on their children’s holistic development.
Enrolling children in football academies has become a popular choice for parents seeking to provide their youngsters with the best opportunities to excel in the sport. These academies offer a structured and professional environment where children can receive expert guidance tailored to their age and abilities. The emphasis on skill development, teamwork, discipline, and personal growth resonates with parents who understand the long-term benefits of such training.
Tshering Wangmo, a parent, said, “Enrolling my son in a football academy has been one of the best decisions we made. He has not only improved his technical abilities but has also learned valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. It has been a holistic development experience for him.”
Sangay Pema, another parent, expressed delight at the abundance of opportunities available for upskilling children, acknowledging that such chances were not available during her own upbringing. Witnessing a positive shift in her child’s demeanor since joining the football coaching program, Pema firmly believes in the value of this decision, providing her child with a valuable avenue for personal development and fulfillment.
Bhutan’s football coaching program is experiencing remarkable growth, fueled by the increasing number of children enrolling for training. This surge in enrollment reflects the rising wave of young talent eager to embrace the sport and showcases the country’s passion for football. The grassroots-level program not only focuses on developing technical skills but also places a strong emphasis on important values such as teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.
With structured training and expert guidance provided by dedicated coaches, football academies in Bhutan have become prime destinations for parents seeking to nurture their children’s talents and foster a deep love for the game. Parents express their satisfaction with the quality of coaching and observe the positive impact it has on their children’s overall development, including improved technical abilities, life skills, and a sense of discipline and perseverance.
The growing recognition of the benefits offered by these football academies paves the way for a promising future for the sport in Bhutan. As more young players receive specialized training and support, the nation anticipates producing talented individuals capable of representing Bhutan at regional and international levels. The commitment to nurturing young talent and instilling important values not only benefits the individual players but also strengthens the overall football community in Bhutan.
With the passion, dedication, and support of parents, coaches, and young players, Bhutan’s football community is poised for success. The surge in enrollment and the positive impact on children’s development are testament to the power of structured training and specialized coaching in cultivating a lifelong love for football and shaping well-rounded individuals both on and off the field. Bhutan’s football journey holds great promise, with the potential to showcase the nation’s talent and passion for the beautiful game on a global stage.
