Thinley Namgay

More than 250 girls participated in the selection camp for women’s under (U)-12, U-14, and U-16 national football teams as of yesterday.

This is the first comprehensive selection conducted by the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) in three years. The current turnout was almost double compared to the centralised selection camp held in the past in Gelephu.

The programme is part of FIFA’s Talent Coach Program under the Talent Development Scheme aimed at giving every talent an opportunity.

BFF’s U-14 women’s coach, Eilidh Mackay from Australia, FIFA’s talent coach Morag, national women’s football head Pema Choden Tshering, and local coach Kinley Wangmo are conducting the event with assistance from school sports instructors.

Pema Choden Tshering said that BFF always had a selection camp in the past for the Academy intake at a centralised venue, which is usually in Gelephu, but many could not travel due to long distances, and reluctance from their parents or guardians.

“So, this time, we traveled around scouting for talents,” she said.

She said that one of the objectives is to facilitate the overall growth of football and ensure that local coaches are given the platform to grow and be mentored by international experts.

The selection camp began last month for girls born between 2007 and 2011.

The selection has been held in Sarpang, Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashiyangtse, Trashigang, and Samdrupjongkhar.

The selection will be held in Phuentsholing Sports Association Ground today. The last camp will be held in Samtse tomorrow.

The selection in Trashigang and Mongar witnessed 45 participants each. Trashiyangtse saw 55 participants, Samdrupjongkhar three, Thimphu 40, and Paro 28, among others.

The selected players will be trained at the Gelephu Girls Academy.