The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The U-14 boys from five nations — Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan – are currently taking part in the festival matches at Satdobato, Lalitpur,
The festival is organized for the South region member associations of AFC at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Complex grounds where the players will get the feel of international exposure, exhibit their football skills and learn the value of discipline and sportsmanship.
This will be the fourth year of the festival it was started by the AFC (Asian Football Federation) to promote the football for the youth of Asia.
The AFC’s vision ‘football for youth’ is the main intention of this festival. The technical director of the Bhutan football federation Mindu Dorji said, “such festival helps our youth and Bhutan football federation so that they gain exposure and can develop a good attitude for football by meeting different people and by meeting different officials.”
The launching ceremony began with a march-past of the five U-14 teams, as well as the participants of the ‘C’ Coaching Certificate Course and Referee Course.
Wishing a success to the festival, an official said: “The festival provides a good opportunity for youngsters to showcase their talent.”
According to the AFC Vice-President and ANFA President Ganesh Thapa, the Festival of Football is an effort of the continental football governing body to develop football.
“It’s more about the development process rather than the competition. It is a great opportunity for all aspiring coaches, referees and physiotherapists to nurture their talents,” he said.
The Bhutan football Federation (BFF) is also looking forward to host such festivals as Bhutan is also developing infrastructure and facilities for football.
The BFF as of now has 60% of their players who have participated in such festivals in the previous four years.
