www.bhutanfootball.org

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CONTENTS

GOAL AND OBJECTIVES______3 GRASSROOTS ACTION PLAN 2019 ______4 GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES CALENDAR 2019 ______5 FOCAL PERSONS WORKSHOP ______6 MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS ______6 AFC WOMEN’S FOOTBALL DAY ______7 WEEKLY GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES ______9 MONTHLY GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL ______10 AFC GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DAY ______11 HALF YEARLY REVIEW ______12 SUMMER GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL COACHING ______14 GRASSROOTS COURSE FOR SCHOOL SPORTS INSTRUCTORS ______16 INTRA DISTRICT SCHOOLS FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION ______17 FOOTBALL FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED CHILDREN ______19 GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL FOR BEGINNERS ______22 FIFA GRASSROOTS COURSE AND FESTIVAL ______23 BFF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DAY ______24 NATIONAL GIRLS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL AND CHAMPIONSHIP ______26 YEAR END REVIEW 2019 ______32 CONCLUSION ______32

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GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

OUR GOAL Our goal in 2019 was to increase Grassroots football participation across the country from about 10,000 participants in 2018 to 16,000 participants in 2019 i.e. 60% increase in the number of participation.

OUR OBJECTIVES - To enhance the quality of Grassroots football programme across the country - To encourage children to be active and learn important life skills through football - To provide safe environment for children to learn new skills and technique whilst having fun at the same time - To give opportunity for as many children as possible to play and learn quality football from the professional coaches - To boost the football experience for as many children as possible - To develop football in through Grassroots football activities - To encourage & develop future talents through various Grassroots football activities

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GRASSROOTS ACTION PLAN 2019

SN. Events/Activities Dates Venues 1 National Youth Football Festival & 6th – 18th January Gelephu Championship 2 Coaches Refresher Course 6th – 11th January Gelephu 3 Grassroots / Focal Persons Workshop 23rd – 29th January Gelephu 4 Focal Persons Meeting with 10th - 15th February Districts DSA/CDEO/School Principal 5 Weekly Grassroots Football Activities 16th Feb. – 21st Aug. Districts 6 Monthly Grassroots Football Festival 28th Feb – 25th Oct. Districts 7 AFC Women’s Football Day 8th March Districts 8 AFC Grassroots Football Day 15th May Districts 9 Focal / Grassroots Coaches Workshop 16th - 21st June 10 BFF Grassroots Leader Conference 12th & 13th June Thimphu 11 BFF Grassroots Leaders Seminar 14th June Thimphu 12 Summer Grassroots Football Coaching 1st – 25th July Districts 13 SSI Grassroots Football Course 26th – 30th July Paro 14 Inter District Schools Football Festival 22nd Aug. – 24th Oct. Districts & Tournaments 15 Grassroots for Beginners 26th Mar. - 4th Oct. Districts 16 FIFA Grassroots Course and Festival 7th – 11th November Thimphu 17 BFF Grassroots Football Day 11th November Districts 18 National Girls Football Festival & 19th – 31st Dec. Gelephu Championship

Grassroots Football Festival in

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GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES CALENDAR 2019

2019 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JLY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC MON 1 1 TUE 1 2 2 1 WED 2 3 1 3 2 THU 3 4 2 4 1 3 FRI 4 1 5 3 5 2 4 1 SAT 5 2 1 6 4 1 6 3 3 2 SUN 6 3 2 7 5 2 7 4 1 5 3 1 MON 7 4 3 8 6 3 8 5 2 6 4 2 TUE 8 5 4 9 7 4 9 6 3 7 5 3 WED 9 6 5 10 8 5 10 7 4 8 6 4 THU 10 7 6 11 9 6 11 8 5 9 7 5 FRI 11 8 7 12 10 7 12 9 6 10 8 6 SAT 12 9 8 13 11 8 13 10 7 11 9 7 SUN 13 10 9 14 12 9 14 11 8 12 10 8 MON 14 11 10 15 13 10 15 12 9 13 11 9 TUE 15 12 11 16 14 11 16 13 10 14 12 10 WED 16 13 12 17 15 12 17 14 11 15 13 11 THU 17 14 13 18 16 13 18 15 12 16 14 12 FRI 18 15 14 19 17 14 19 16 13 17 15 14 SAT 19 16 15 20 18 15 20 17 14 18 16 15 SUN 20 17 16 21 19 16 21 18 15 19 17 16 MON 21 18 17 22 20 17 22 19 16 20 18 17 TUE 22 19 18 22 21 18 23 20 17 21 19 18 WED 23 20 19 23 22 19 24 21 18 22 20 19 THU 24 21 20 24 23 20 25 22 19 23 21 20 FRI 25 22 21 25 24 21 26 23 20 24 22 21 SAT 26 23 22 26 25 22 27 24 21 25 23 22 SUN 27 24 23 27 26 23 28 25 22 26 24 23 MON 28 25 24 28 27 24 29 26 23 27 25 24 TUE 29 26 25 29 28 25 30 27 24 28 26 25 WED 30 27 26 30 29 26 31 28 25 29 27 26 THU 31 28 27 30 27 29 26 30 28 27 FRI 28 31 28 30 27 29 28 SAT 29 29 28 30 29 SUN 30 30 29 30 MON 31 30 31 TUE 31

NATIONAL YOUTH FOOTBALL FESTIVAL & CHAMPIONSHIP AND SELECTION COACHES REFRESHER COURSE FOCAL PERSONS WORKSHOP FOCAL PERSONS MEETING WITH DEOS, DSA & SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AFC WOMEN'S FOOTBALL DAY WEEKLY GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES MONTHLY GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL AFC GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DAY FOCAL PERSONS WORKSHOP SUMMER GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL COACHING GRASSROOTS COURSE FOR SCHOOL SPORTS INSTRUCTORS INTRA DISTRICT SCHOOLS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL AND TOURNAMENT BFF GRASSROOTS LEADERS CONFERENCE BFF GRASSROOTS LEADERS SEMINAR FOOTBALL FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED CHILDREN GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL FOR BEGINNERS FIFA GRASSROOTS COURSE & FESTIVAL BFF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DAY NATIONAL GIRLS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL & CHAMPIONSHIP AND SELECTION

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FOCAL PERSONS WORKSHOP A workshop was conducted from 20th to 25th January for the focal persons of all the districts to explain them the calendar and plans of Grassroots football activities in 2019. During the workshop, the focal persons were instructed about the goal and objectives for the year. They were updated about how the MA have planned to achieve them with the Grassroots programmes for the year 2019. Focal persons were reminded about the importance of the relationship with local stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the Grassroots programmes in the districts. A coach refresher course was conducted to prepare them technical for to conduct the programmes in their respective districts.

MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS

The focal persons in the 20 district met with the district education officials, district sports associations and stakeholders to identify schools across the country to implement the Grassroots football activities and development programmes. The officials were informed about our development plans and programmes in their districts and their roles and responsibilities for the overall development of football in the country.

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AFC WOMEN’S FOOTBALL DAY

Bhutan Football Federation celebrated AFC Women’s Football Day throughout the country on 8th March. A fun Grassroots football festivals for girls and fun football match was organized for girls and women. The district focal persons took the initiative to celebrate the day in their respective districts. The celebration was aimed to encourage women’s participation and empower women football throughout the country.

SN. Dzongkhags Venues Girls Women Total Volunteers 1 Dagana Dagapela Middle 65 27 92 2 Secondary School 2 Zhemgang Pantang Primary School 70 30 100 4 3 Haa Tshaphel Lower Secondary 65 17 82 1 School 4 Chukha Phuntsholing Sports 140 60 200 19 Association Ground 5 Mongar Yadi Central School 85 15 100 6 6 Lhuntse Autsho Central School 75 25 100 2 7 Pemagatshel Pemagatshel Middle 60 15 75 6 Secondary School 8 Thimphu Changlimithang Stadium 70 30 100 5 9 Paro Dotey Lower Secondary 78 22 100 2 School 10 Sarpang Gelephu RBP Field 75 25 100 5 11 Bumthang Gangrithang Primary 81 25 106 3 School 12 Trongsa Taktse Central School 70 30 100 9 13 Samtse 111th National Day 70 30 100 9 Stadium 14 Trashiyangtse Tshenkharla Central 83 15 98 9 School 15 Samdrup Public Ground 76 22 98 2 Jongkhar 16 Trashigang Thrimshing Central School 70 30 100 3 17 Tsirang Tsirangtoe Central School 77 33 110 6 18 Punakha Dechentsemo Central 75 25 100 1 School 19 Wangdue Wangdue Primary School 75 35 110 0 Grand Total 1,460 511 1,971 94

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WEEKLY GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES The weekly Grassroots football activity is a football coaching session conducted by the focal persons in the district schools on weekly basis. The focal persons visit a school every week to conduct basic and fun football training session. This program aims to involve more participants in a school than our usual program since the focal person spends at least 5 days in a school whereby he trains children both girls and boys of ages 6-15 years old.

SN. Districts Schools Boys Girls Total Volunteers 1 Samdrup Jongkhar 7 672 406 1,078 14 2 Haa 5 588 293 881 8 3 Punakha 8 315 248 563 10 4 Trongsa 7 336 250 586 5 5 Pemagatshel 3 84 120 204 5 6 Mongar 4 185 32 217 9 7 Samtse 8 713 486 1,199 22 8 Bumthang 12 613 415 1028 12 9 Sarpang 9 568 352 920 19 10 Wangdi Phodrang 9 249 190 439 11 11 Trashigang 18 600 647 1,247 24 12 Dagana 11 502 382 884 17 13 Chukha 8 355 218 573 13 14 Thimphu 11 475 198 673 13 15 Tsirang 10 588 477 1,065 14 16 Trashiyangtse 9 742 740 1,482 11 17 Zhemgang 5 241 124 365 13 Grand Total 144 7,826 5,578 13,404 220

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MONTHLY GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL

The Monthly Grassroots Football Festival is conducted on the final day of last Weekly Grassroots Activity. About four festivals are conducted in each districts across the country. During these festivals, the focal person sets up small-sided games and technical stations to teach some basic football techniques and skills. The festival also includes AFC Women’s Football Day and AFC Grassroots Football Day.

SN. Dzongkhags Schools Boys Girls Total Volunteers 1 Tsirang 4 98 47 145 3 2 Sarpang 4 362 237 599 10 3 Zhemgang 1 20 33 53 1 4 Mongar 5 161 111 272 7 5 Chukha 5 223 138 361 8 6 Bumthang 5 283 175 458 4 7 Wangdue Phodrang 4 149 114 263 9 8 Trashiyangtse 3 140 125 265 5 9 Haa 5 176 93 269 5 10 Trashigang 5 109 124 233 5 11 Punakha 5 295 200 495 1 12 Samtse 3 304 201 505 3 13 Pemagatshel 3 202 112 314 11 14 Trongsa 5 287 267 554 5 15 Thimphu 5 610 128 738 4 16 Dagana 5 169 80 249 10 17 Samdrup Jongkhar 5 179 158 337 10 Grand Total 72 3,767 2,343 6,110 101

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AFC GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DAY

The Bhutan Football Federation celebrated the ‘AFC Grassroots Football Day’ on 15th May in 19 Districts. The focal person in their respective districts coordinated the celebration. A total 1030 boys, 842 girls and 177 Volunteers including special children were actively involved in a fun football festival. The children in Bhutan are grateful to the AFC for providing every Boys and girls an opportunity to participate in this fun football festival.

SN. Dzongkhags Venues Boys Girls Total Volunteers 1 Dagana Namchalla Lower Secondary 55 40 95 25 School 2 Zhemgang Yebalaptsa Central School 53 47 100 1 3 Haa Katsho Lower Secondary 50 50 100 6 School 4 Chukha Phuntsholing High Secondary 50 40 90 7 School 5 Mongar Mongar Middle Secondary 79 40 119 10 School 6 Lhuntse Khoma Lower Secondary 52 48 100 3 School 7 Pemagatshel Nganglam Central School 49 46 95 5 8 Thimphu Changlimithang Stadium 65 35 100 12 9 Paro Drugyel Lower Secondary 51 45 96 10 School 10 Sarpang Gelephu Public Ground 55 45 100 13 11 Bumthang Gatsey Primary School 57 42 99 4 12 Trongsa Samcholing Primary School 50 50 100 6 13 Samtse Yoseltse Middle Secondary 57 43 100 4 School 14 Trashiyangtse Kheni Lower Secondary School 48 49 97 7 15 Samdrup Phuntshothang Middle 70 30 100 15 Jongkhar Secondary School 16 Trashigang Bikhar Lower Secondary School 50 50 100 8 17 Tsirang Betini Primary School 51 52 103 5 18 Punakha Lakhu Primary Shool 35 43 78 6 19 Wangdue Phobjikha Central School 53 47 100 30 Phodrang Grand Total 1,030 842 1,872 177

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HALF YEARLY REVIEW

To review our half-year progress of the Grassroots events and activities throughout the country, a Grassroots Leaders Seminar and Conference was conduct with the focal persons and stakeholders from the districts. During the seminar, officials from BFF, officials from districts and focal persons shared their ideas and experience to develop Grassroots . The conference was graced by the presence of the General Secretary of Bhutan Football Federation, FIFA Development Officer Mr. Choki Nima and Grassroots Leaders from 19 districts. The purpose of conference was about our Grassroots programmes to achieve the AFC Grassroots Charter Silver Membership. Districts leaders’ vigorous involvement for the daily Grassroots football is very essential. All the districts leaders were briefed about the intend to accomplish silver membership in AFC Grassroots Charter. District leaders were also clarified regarding the Grassroots performance in their own district. Districts leaders’ affiliation between stakeholders is important for the energetic flow of Grassroots program in the individual districts. Therefore, Districts leaders were explained about the mandatory criteria for different level of achievement in AFC awards. They were explained regarding the AFC Grassroots Charter and Guidelines, 2018.

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The FIFA Development Officer Mr. Choki Nima also shared about the importance of the Grassroots Programs in the districts and the support from the local stakeholders for the smooth functioning of the programs. Chief Administration Officer of the Bhutan Football Federation, Mr. Birendra Chimoria also attended the conference to talk about the administration issues. He informed the focal coaches that any issues regarding the administration should be always forwarded to administration section for the immediate response. He also guaranteed to the floor any agenda concerning the office will be dispatched before 20 days. Mr. Kinley Dorji, the competition officer explained regarding the different competition happening and going to take place. All the BFF funded competition should be conducted according to the terms and condition of competition charter. He also supplemented about the women league happening in 10 districts. He also explained the possibility of such competitions in other districts. Col. Goutamkar, the Referee Director introduced the floor about referee plan and course for all the districts. He also shared the latest laws of game, changes of law in the football. He shared about the new system implemented for the promotion in number of referees. His aim is to increase the more number of referees in all the districts.

The half-yearly review was concluded by collection of reports from the focal persons during the summer coaches’ workshop. The workshop was held in the Bhutan Football Federation head office’s conference hall. During the workshop, officials from the media department of the federation also gave the coaches some tips to take photographs so that they have better pictures for our sponsors during their Grassroots activities and events.

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SUMMER GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL COACHING The summer Grassroots football coaching is an annual football coaching camp conducted every year by the Bhutan Football Federation with the support from Nestlé, Milo energy drinks. The camps were conducted in 18 districts across the country in July during the summer school vacation and we could involve about 1,395 kids with 21 certified coaches and 17 volunteers. The basic purpose of the camp was to give opportunity to kids throughout the country to play this beautiful game. Children also learn some valuable life lessons such as respect, friendship, teamwork etc. The priority in the camp was to involve the kids during their vacation to promote the game to as many kids as possible. The sessions consisted of 1-2 hours a day for about 20 days in most districts except for some due to poor weather conditions. The focal persons along with few volunteers led the training sessions aimed mainly to introduce the game to the kids besides the development in technical competence and physical exercises. The training sessions have brought magical changes in the players’ love for the game as well as their technical and physical ability. The achievement of the camp is well capsuled in the words of an 11-year old kid from Thimphu, “Now, I will get selected for my school team and I will also ask my parents to buy me a ball so that I can practice more”. The sessions of the camp were instrumental in making our Grassroots players to better team player as well as a better human being.

SN. District Venue Days Boys Girls Total 1 Wangdue Phodrang Bajo HSS 20 64 2 66 2 Paro Khangkhu MSS & Woochu 20 120 20 140 Sports Arena 3 Trashiyangtse Trashiyangtse LSS 12 75 7 82 4 Chukha PSA 22 78 16 94 5 Trongsa Sherubling Central School 20 27 7 34 6 Samdrup Jongkhar SJ Astro Turf 20 35 10 45

7 Punakha UA Ground 9 36 8 44 8 Tsirang Tsirang Public Ground 23 59 7 66 9 Mongar Gyelposhing Astro Turf 20 39 14 53 10 Thimphu Changlimithang Stadium 23 213 31 244 11 Trashigang Rangjung CS 19 85 19 104 12 Samtse 111th National Day 20 70 2 72 Stadium 13 Haa Gongzim Ugyen Dorji CS 20 71 16 87 14 Zhemgang Panbang PS 12 22 0 22 15 Bumthang Wangdicholing LSS 22 24 7 31 16 Dagana Army Ground 17 24 6 30 17 Pemagatshel Nganglam CS & 20 40 5 45 Norbugang PS 18 Sarpang Gelephu Academy Ground 23 108 28 136 Grand Total 1,190 205 1,395

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The number of participants in each districts is relative to the population in the districts and most of the urban areas have the maximum participants. However, the number of girl’s trainee is only 17% of the total participants. Some other co-curricular activities conducted in few districts also led to decreased number of participation.

The Paro district focal person, Namgay Dorji took a wonderful initiative to tie up with the local club Paro Football Club to conduct the coaching camp whereby 21 players got the opportunity to play for the club’s youth team. These 21 players will be trained in the club academy. If they continue to do well, they have the opportunity succeed in football, which is huge achievement for both the club and the country. Thimphu district had the maximum participants of all the districts with about 244 kids of which 213 were boys and 31 were girls. Most of them students studying in schools in Thimphu and some of them came for vacation in Thimphu and decided to participate in the training camp. The path to success is long and involves lot of hard work and help from everyone. In brief, the camp was successful and we would like to thank Nestle’ Milo energy drink, kids, parents, schools, volunteers and the coaches. We are looking forward for continues support from everyone so that we can share happiness throughout the country with this beautiful game. To further increase the number of participation, we will also be setting out our coaching methodology manual next summer to improve the quality of the training session. We are also considering ways to improve the infrastructure in some districts so that both children and coaches can have a better session.

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GRASSROOTS COURSE FOR SCHOOL SPORTS INSTRUCTORS

School Sports Instructors are the sports teachers in the schools. They are responsible for all the sports activity in the schools including football. Since our Grassroots programmes are conducted in the schools and they play an important role in our programmes as volunteers. Therefore, BFF conducted a Grassroots coaching course for School Sports Instructors from 26th June to 30th July in Paro.

Coaching Course for School Sports Instructors, 2019

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INTRA DISTRICT SCHOOLS FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION

The ‘Intra District Schools Festival and Competition’ is a Grassroots competition conducted in all the districts to involve as many kids as possible in a fun and competitive football festival and tournament. The tournament for girls were conducted for four age groups i.e. U10, U12, U14 and U16, whereas for boys the age groups where U8, U10, U12 and U14. From this tournament, the district focal person also scout the players for his/her district team who will participate in National Youth Football Festival and Championship in winter.

Districts Schools U8 U10 U12 U14 U10 U12 U14 U16 (10) (10) (13) (15) (10) (10) (15) (15) Pemagatshel 12 7 10 10 10 7 10 10 10 Sarpang 12 6 12 12 12 6 12 12 12 Mongar 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Chukha 8 8 8 8 0 8 8 0 0 W. Phodrang 11 5 5 11 11 8 8 11 6 Trashiyangtse 10 7 6 8 5 7 6 6 6 Thimphu 9 6 9 9 0 8 6 0 0 Haa 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 5 4 Dagana 11 8 5 5 11 11 5 8 11 Punakha 6 2 6 5 5 4 4 6 6 Samtse 11 6 8 10 11 6 6 8 8 Trongsa 10 8 9 6 5 9 7 5 4 Tsirang 13 4 6 9 9 6 8 7 2 S. Jongkhar 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 Trashigang 47 16 16 31 21 16 31 20 11 Bumthang 12 12 12 11 7 11 11 11 5 Zhemgang 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Paro 10 10 5 8 10 10 7 10 10 Schools 213 Teams 133 146 172 146 145 158 143 118 Number of Participants 1,330 1,460 2,236 2,190 1,450 1,580 2,145 1,770 Grand Total 14,161

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FOOTBALL FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED CHILDREN

Football for differently able children aims to reach out for the Special Educational Needs children and adults to create an inclusive community through football and provide an equal opportunity for everyone to have fun regardless of their ability. Our coaches have been able to do so by collaborating with schools and centers with special children.

Districts Schools Boys Girls Total Volunteers Thimphu Draktsho Vocational Training Centre 30 16 46 5 Samtse Tendruk Central School 37 34 71 2 Trashigang Draktsho East 20 17 37 2 Grand Total 87 67 154 9 Usually, we conduct separate activity for differently abled children but this year, we tried something different by including about 45 special children from Draktsho Centre in Thimphu with the normal children from Loselling Middle Secondary School on ‘Bhutan Football Federation Grassroots Football Day’.

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SHARING HAPPINESS WITH FOOTBALL IN DRAKTSHO CENTRS

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GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL FOR BEGINNERS

Grassroots Football for Beginners is our special programme targeting children below 6 years old to discover football and have fun playing football with their friends. Our coaches visit the Early Child Care and Development Centers in the districts to introduce football and let the kids have fun playing the game.

SN. Districts Boys Girls Total Volunteers 1 Sarpang 131 106 237 6 2 Zhemgang 31 26 57 5 3 Chukha 108 130 238 12 4 W. Phodrang 28 31 59 4 5 Haa 51 46 97 16 6 Trashiyangtse 31 37 68 6 7 Thimphu 112 85 197 8 8 Dagana 30 32 62 8 9 Trashigang 54 39 93 7 10 Pemagatshel 19 18 37 6 11 Punakha 45 62 107 5 12 S. Jongkhar 67 61 128 9 13 Samtse 55 67 122 5 14 Trongsa 70 54 124 4 15 Mongar 72 37 109 3 16 Bumthang 77 52 129 5 17 Tsirang 34 34 68 8 Grand Total 1,015 917 1,932 117

“Kids must have fun and encourage them to play as much as possible. This helps them to build their confidence and passion for the beautiful game.”

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FIFA GRASSROOTS COURSE AND FESTIVAL

The FIFA Grassroots Course and Festival was course was organized by Bhutan Football Federation under the auspices of FIFA on 7th November in Thimphu. The course was instructed by two instructors from FIFA, Mr. Yvon Avry (Instructor) and Mr. Mohamed Herman Zailani (Assistant Instructor). The course opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Ugyen Wangchhuk, the General Secretary of Bhutan Football Federation, Mr. Damchoe Tshering, the officiating Chief of Department of Youth and Sports from Ministry of Education, Mr. Kesang Phuntsho, the head of program office from , Technical Director Mr. Vincent Subramaniam, Head of Coach Education Mr. Kinley Dorji and Grassroots Manager Mr. Ugyen Dorji from Bhutan Football Federation. The five-day course ended with a grand festival in Changlimithang stadium on 11th November coinciding with the Bhutan Football Federation ‘Grassroots Football Day’ to commemorate the 64th birth anniversary of His Majesty the fourth Jigme Singye Wangchuk. The festival ended by serving the children with refreshments and gifts from FIFA before awarding certificates of attendance for Grassroots educators from Mrs. Zimbiri, the Women’s Football Chairperson of Bhutan Football Federation. 29 participants from clubs and districts were trained as Grassroots educators to teach the children in the clubs and districts with basic football training to develop Grassroots football in the country.

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BFF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DAY The Bhutan Football Federation Grassroots Day is celebrated on 11th November every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Forth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk. There was increase in participation with every passing celebration of the ‘Grassroots Day’, and 2019 was no different as the festival took place in 18 districts of the country. We have seen a lot of positive changes and opportunities the festival can offer. A grand total of 2,108 boys and girls under 12 years of age, special needs children and volunteers learned important messages of fun, play, friendship, respect and climate change. The festival was conducted to create encouraging environments for everyone with the opportunity to play, regardless of their playing ability or background. BFF Focal Persons led the festival with exercises like dribbling, shooting and small-sided games, so that the children learn some basic techniques as well as have fun playing games. Credit goes to all our supporters, schools, parents and volunteers for never failing to help us to reach the children. We believe that every football star, the journey begins from the Grassroots and the livelihood of football depends on our ability to nurture the game for our future generations.

Districts Venue Girls Boys Volunteers Total Thimphu Changlimithang Stadium 55 115 31 201 Trashigang Phongmey Primary School 58 47 5 110 Trongsa Sherubling Central School 51 50 10 111 Punakha Khuruthang MSS 35 75 3 113 Chukha PSA Ground 62 55 10 127 Pemagatshel Nganglam Central School 41 60 10 111 W. Phodrang Tencholing Army Ground 50 50 8 108 Mongar Chaskar Central School 38 62 5 105 S. Jongkhar Gomdar Central School 50 60 7 117 Paro Woochu Sports Arena 4 85 22 111 Bumthang Chumey Central School 46 58 5 109 Zhemgang Pantang Primary School 40 64 6 110 Dagana Gesarling Central School 45 55 10 110 Samtse Kyidsa Primary School 54 46 4 104 Tsirang Phuntenchu Primary School 48 60 10 118 Haa Jyenkana Primary School 55 47 5 107 Sarpang Gelephu Football Ground 56 48 7 111 Trashiyangtse Khamdang Middle Secondary School 55 60 10 125 Grand Total 843 1,097 168 2,108

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NATIONAL GIRLS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL AND CHAMPIONSHIP

The National Youth Football Festival and Championship also known as Bhutan MILO Cup was organized from 23rd to 31st December in Gelephu, Sarpang district. 345 girls of ages between 12 to 14 years old from 17 districts came to Gelephu to take part in this football festival and championship. This event was considered as one of the most important event of Bhutan Football Federation and Grassroots Football Department to be precise. This is because it is a great opportunity for us to see good players from the district come in a venue to compete whereby we can select best players from different parts of the country for our National Girls Football Academy in Gelephu for further development. For this football festival and championship, our district focal person selected the best players from their respective districts to form two teams of two different age groups, under 12 and under 14 teams. The district focal person scouts these talents during their Grassroots activities such as weekly activities, monthly festivals, intra- district festivals and competitions, summer and winter coaching camps. Kuendrup Higher Secondary School (Gelephu) facilitated the players and official’s accommodation for this event. The matches were played in Kuendrup HSS ground and Bhutan Women’s Football Academy. The festival and championship was played in ‘League Cum Knockout’ fixture for both age groups. Both age groups had 16 teams, which were divided into 4 groups, and the winner of each group qualified for semi-final. The finals were played on 31st December for both age groups.

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U14 Girls Winners: Bumthang U14 Girls Runners Up: Trashigang

U12 Girls Winners: Trashigang U12 Girls Runners Up: Samtse

“Though it’s not so wise for us to select players by

just observing them play few games here, I think it is great for the fact that our focal people have brought most of their best players from the districts here for us to see. I along with my

selection committee are looking for girls with some key qualities such as speed, technique, temperament, athleticism and left footed girls to groom them in our girl’s academy here in Gelephu

for further development.”

– Vincent Subramaniam, Technical Director

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The selection camp for Bhutan Women’s Football Academy was conducted during the tournament to recruit players for further development. The Technical Director Mr. Vincent Subramaniam along with the National Team Director, Mr. Jigme N. Norbu, headed the Selection Committee. The officials from the Technical Department and coaches from the Bhutan Women’s Football Academy were part of the selection committee. The selection process was reformed this year under the supervision of the new Technical Director. All the girls had the fair chance to display their ability to every members of the selection committee. The girls for the selection camp were scouted from the tournament based on their ability and physical quality. Whereas U17 girls were invited based on their interest and recommendation from our district focal person.

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Apart from football, keeping the children engaged productively by teaching the children moral values such as sportsmanship, proper spirit of competition, teamwork and discipline on and off the field was emphasized in the camp. Such activities made camp life lively, interesting, enjoyable, memorable and educational for children. Our goal was not just to nurture good footballers but also good citizen for this country. Football is a beautiful game with the ability to make a huge difference in our community as well as country and these young children is our top priority for the success of our country. Some of the activities organized in the camp are as follows; 1. Awareness on Safe Sports The program was dedicated to advancing the lives of women and girls by raising awareness of sports-related issues and the unique factors affecting women’s life. Girls face barriers to play sports caused by cultural norms, violence, fragility and more other problems compared to boys. Therefore, we invited 3 female officials from Bhutan Olympic Committee, National Commission for Women and Children and Women and Sports Committee spoke to girls about safety of sports and women’s empowerment through sports. Two officers from Royal Bhutan Police communicated with the girls about various issues which related to women and crime against women. The above mention personals gave the girls the much-needed awareness about their rights and who to inform if any mishap happens in future. The girls also got the opportunity to ask few questions to the officials and was fun and educative session.

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2. Value Education Class (Driglam-Namzha) Our program goes beyond football as we ensured girls learn something more than football during this program. Beside football skills, we wanted to teach them life skills and moral values necessary to navigate and adapt to a changing world and contribute to our community and the country. A value education teacher from Kuendrup Higher Secondary School, Mr. Sonam Wangdi taught the girls how and where to use Rachu (traditional attire), how and what kind of khaddar (traditional scarf) to offer and how to receive prize from guest. Good values are part of our Bhutanese culture and tradition, which all the girls must learn and practice as a citizen of this nation. Education and football must go hand in hand for children to be successful in future. The team escorts and coaches also assisted the instructor to teach the girls, and it was educative and fun session for the girls. 3. Talent Shows As children get older, confidence is as important as the education and life skills. To succeed, children need to trust in their own capabilities while, at the same time, know that they can handle it if they are not successful at something. It is by experience and bouncing back from failure that they develop healthy self-confidence. Therefore, the girls were given the opportunity to display their talent to enhance confidence, self-esteem and display their talents beside football. Most of the girls preferred dancing whereas some of them sang and shared jokes to the crowd. It was one of the most entertaining sessions for the girls beside the few Bhutanese movies that were also shown to girls in the school auditorium.

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4. Cleaning Campaign

To inculcate good ethics and habits of cleanliness, the girls had to wake up early, brush their teeth properly before the morning cleaning activity. The girls cleaned their rooms, toilets and surrounding though we hired two sweepers during the event. It was important to involve them in keeping their surroundings clean to develop the habit to stay clean and healthy. We also conducted a mass cleaning campaign was on the final day of the event. The coaches, girls and the escorts cleaned up the girl’s academy compound and the road from academy to the camp. This Football Festival and Championship was very helpful for girls as they learned many valuable life skills besides the fun and values that they learned from the game such as punctuality, discipline, patience, teamwork and dedication. Playing football helps to keep them healthy and helps in building their confidence. Prizes were awarded to the winners and runners up by the honorable Chief Guest, Dasho Tikaram Kafley, Gelephu Thrompon. After the prize distribution ceremony, the Chief Guest gave a short speech highlighting the benefits of playing football and importance of healthy life style.

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YEAR END REVIEW 2019 From about 21,446 participants, roughly about 5000 could be involved in both the weekly Grassroots football activities and monthly Grassroots football festivals. Therefore, we are confident that we have achieved our 2019 goal, which was to involve 16,000 children in our Grassroots programme in the year 2019. SN. Events/Programs/Activities Boys Girls Total Participants

1 Weekly Grassroots Football Activities 7,826 5,578 13,404 2 Monthly Grassroots Football Festival 3,767 2343 6,110 3 Grassroots Football for Beginners 1,015 917 1,932 Grand Total 12,608 8,838 21,446

CONCLUSION

Grassroots football in Bhutan has always aimed to encourage mass participation by stimulating interest in the game and providing opportunities to children for social inclusion, supporting healthy lifestyles and the in both the sporting and educational aspects. The Bhutan Football Federation would like to thank the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA for continuously supporting our Grassroots Development Programmes in Bhutan. Grassroots programmes has been the most fun and meaningful sport for children across the country. BFF is committed to work as per the plans with appropriate fun activities to make each child’s sporting experience positive, inclusive and fun for everyone. We are also grateful to the Ministry of Education, District Sports Association, schools, parents, Nestle MILO and all the stakeholders involved in our programs. We believe that, together we can share happiness through Grassroots. TASHI DELEK

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