Aspiring Bhutanese athletes’ love for the game of football initially began as a means of exercise. Over the years, the game drew bigger attention as the country saw some of its young athletes playing for international clubs. Many young Bhutanese football enthusiasts and parents alike started to see career prospects in pursuing the game as a profession and are undergoing training from a young age. In Paro, over a hundred youths are undergoing grassroots football coaching at the Wochu sports arena.
12-year-old Ismriti Rai flaunts crossovers and scissors, which are some of the basic football skills. She has learned these techniques during the training that she has been undergoing for over a year now.
She is a happy girl pursuing her dreams with the support of her family.
“My parents say that I must live my dreams and follow my passion, no matter what. And when I play football I feel like I am living my dream,” said Ismriti Rai, a football enthusiast.
Like Ismriti, there are 130 youths aged five to 18 taking coaching classes. The training is conducted for two hours every weekend and on other holidays.
“I like Messi the most and Ronaldo as well. I want to be like them and bring home cups. I hope to win titles for the country and do my parents proud,” said Tenzin Wangchuk, another football enthusiast.
The children’s love for the game has also reshaped parents’ perspectives. Besides studies, they can now be seen encouraging their children to give importance to sports as well.
“Children get engaged meaningfully in such events and develop their skills, otherwise they get hooked up with electronic gadgets. I personally feel football is quite popular in our country and there is plenty of scope in the future,” said Pema Wangmo, a parent.
“When they do not have to go to school they can take part in such training and spend the holidays meaningfully. Now, with time even if a child is not excellent in studies they can make a living by taking sports as a career,” said Penjo, another parent.
Paro FC formed in 2018 is giving the coaching class by collecting a nominal fee. In the process, the club is also able to identify talented footballers who can play for the club in the future.
“While running a club we had an understanding that we would face a shortage of senior players without a grassroots or youth programme. So, we met with our board, investors, and technical team and decided to start with this coaching programme, so that we can have a young backup team ready to replace the senior members whenever required,” said Karma Jigme, Paro FC’s President.
Paro FC started providing grassroots-level football coaching in 2019.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Phub Gyem
