Bhutan Football Federation’s grassroots league or the Mini Dragons League is sparking an interest in football among children under 12. The league which began in 2021 with 28 teams is seeing an increase in the number of teams over the years. The 2024-2025 Mini Dragons League saw 38 teams take part and enjoy the beautiful game of football. The finals were held yesterday at the Changjiji Academy ground in Thimphu.
In the Under 12 division, Thimphu City Football Academy lifted the championship trophy, defeating Junior Football Academy.
Young football enthusiasts from various football academies across the country took part in the month-long league. The teams competed in the league across three age categories—Under 8, Under 10, and 12.
Mini Dragons have fought their way through fierce competition, and six teams made it to the finals to claim the championship title in respective age categories.
In the Under 8 category, Samtse Football Academy emerged victorious against Transport United. The Under 10 group saw Junior Football Academy battle past Paro Football Academy.
“It was a mix of emotions, I felt sad, I felt happy but mostly happy, so, I even cried. Throughout the tournament, we just drew one match and everything else was a win, so, we have been fighting from the group stage. Now, we are the champions, so, that’s it. So I feel good. Thank you to all my friends and coaches,” said Yuvan Sharma, an Academy Player, Thimphu City Football Academy.
Parents and guardians, who have been the strongest supporters of these young footballers, expressed their gratitude for the engaging tournament.
“When they go back to school and teachers ask them what they did during their break, this can be a content plus rather than staying engaged on their phones, they should be engaged in playing football,” said Sonam Tobgay, a parent.
“As parents, we would like to thank the Bhutan Football Federation for giving such an opportunity to our children because aside from playing football, they can also focus on physical and mental fitness,” said Harka Bdr. Subba, another parent.
“During the winter vacation, when the kids are given opportunities like this, firstly it limits their screen time for at least 2 hours a day which is important because if they are at home, they are always with their phones. Opportunities like this give them ideas to think about their future as well,” said Sonam Yangzom, a guardian.
The league aims to engage children during winter break and provide a training platform for them for more opportunities.
“The first objective of organising this league is to keep the children engaged during their winter break. Second, it is a platform where private academies and clubs train the kids for the grassroots programme. Third is to select the potential kids from the Mini Dragon for the BFF Elite Academy,” said Yeshey Dorji, Head of Grassroots Football, BFF.
With support from parents and coaches, the Mini Dragon’s League continues to inspire young footballers.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Phub Gyem
