Football: To encourage more participation in the grassroots football programme, the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) celebrated Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Grassroots Football Day at Druk School in Thimphu yesterday.

A total of 17 dzongkhags in the country celebrated the day. Member Association (MA) manager, Ugyen Dorji said that BFF recognises the importance of grassroots football for the development of football in the country. “To build the future national teams we must start from the base,” he said.

In Thimphu the day was celebrated by letting the students of Druk School undergo “Skill-drills” and fun football activities. Some 100 students aged between six-12 took part in the celebration.

FIFA started the grassroots programme in the country in 2011. It is designed to encourage MAs to organise activities to promote football and emphasise its importance in building a strong foundation for future players to progress to elite levels of the sport.

Ugyen Dorji said the grassroots programme is the foundation for success at all levels of football. “Without strong grassroots, the youth and adult levels will not succeed,” he said.

BFF has conducted grassroots programme in 18 dzongkhags along with BFF coaches to train children on the basics of football. “We expect to bring in more football talent through this initiation,” Ugyen Dorji said.

The programme has trained over 6,000 children.

By Younten Tshedup