Thinley Namgay
Tiger United Football Club (FC), formed by Bhutanese residing in Perth, Australia,in 2022, is not merely a club that promotes football, but also embarks on charitable activities that are crucial in helping those in need.
The club has a five-year partnership with the Royal Society for Senior Citizens (RSSC) in Bhutan and organised a donation campaign for the “Toilet for Compassion” programme.
For the Toilet for Compassion programme, Tiger United FC contributed Nu 240,430 to purchase bedside toilets for persons with disabilities. In addition, donations worth Nu 147,500 have been made for the cause.
Tiger FC’s president, Sangay Thinley, intends to extend the contract period with RSSC.
Tiger United FC was formed to realise the community goal of “The Bhutanese,” alongside many other unincorporated and incorporated organisations in Perth.
Currently, the club has 28 players, a manager, a president, four board members, and officials in administration, accounting, media, and health.
The club is fully run by Bhutanese and partners from various businesses in Perth.
Tiger United FC has also helped Bhutanese migrants secure jobs in Australia. So far, 46 Bhutanese have secured jobs in different industries with the help of the club.
The players are supported with guaranteed jobs, insurance, and other services.
“We partnered with Everest Global Education to provide free education consultation to students, as well as affordable and high-end visa services,” said Sangay Thinley, adding that the club has donated cycles, television sets, washing machines, and cash to some schools and monasteries in Bhutan.
Sangay Thinley said the club aspires to establish a premier soccer club that fosters a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and community engagement.
He said the club also aims to become a leading force in youth soccer development, empowering future generations to encourage social responsibility and civic engagement.
The club organises tournaments in Perth, and more than 30 Bhutanese teams participate.
Last month, the club organised the Tiger United FC December Flair 2024 tournament.
Sangay Thinley said the club is unique compared to other clubs because of its multiple charity partners, in addition to having its own sportswear distribution and being the only club in Perth with a theme song.
However, he said it is challenging to run the club due to the financial burden, the risk of player injuries, the difficulty in maintaining player morale, and attracting good players.
Sangay Thinley said the team works hard to keep the players motivated, encouraged, and enthusiastic about the game. “Players are tired from their studies, work, and the weather here doesn’t help either. So, the club books indoor training sessions, organises reward programmes, and other activities to keep the team spirit high.”
However, Sangay Thinley is confident about the sustainability of the club. He said the club has a vision to make Tiger United FC great, and the Football Operations Team is excited about new opportunities.
He mentioned some differences between football clubs in Bhutan and Perth. One of the key differences he shared was in terms of recruiting foreign players. He said the his club’s tournament does not allow foreign players. In terms of fitness, he noted that players from Bhutan are generally more fit.
Tiger United FC is currently working to represent in the Football West tournament (the governing body of Western Australian Football).
Sangay Thinley said that Tiger United FC will also be established in Bhutan to foster local talent, compete with the existing football giants in the country, and contribute to the development of football.
There are more than 40 Bhutanese football teams in Perth alone.