Thinley Namgay

Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has become a full-fledged member of the United Nations’ initiative Football for the Goals (FFTG).

BFF was inducted as a member recently given its good administration, various football activities, and better outreach, among others.

FFTG with more than 100 member States, began last year and aims to leverage the popularity of football by engaging with football enthusiasts to advance sustainability, equality, human rights, and climate action by promoting actions and practices that support achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

FFTG intends to collaborate with football confederations, federations, associations, leagues, clubs, players, media, and fans to become agents of change to fulfil SDGs.

BFF officials said that the federation is committed to advocating for the achievement of SDGs and also becomes a champion for sustainable development and human rights and driving positive change within the football community and beyond.

BFF’s media and marketing head, Phuntsho Wangdi, said the United Nations’ FFTG is a decent platform for the federation and the country to further promote the country’s efforts in fulfilling SDGs.

He said that more than 80,000 Bhutanese youths are involved in football and various activities will be conducted by the federation to fulfil the vision of the United Nations FFTG.

Phuntsho Wangdi attributed football popularity in the country to its Bhutan Premier League, Women’s National League, Youth League, and HSS Championship.

He said that these major tournaments would be utilised to advocate on climate change, gender equality, discrimination, and gender violence, among others.  “Activities will be conducted in other dzongkhags through our grassroots programme and HSS Championship.”

To fulfil the United Nations FFTG, UN agencies would supply materials to the BFF.

Phuntsho Wangdi said that the United Nations FFTG could also provide learning platforms for BFF officials as the focal persons from UN agencies will also be involved in football tournaments.