Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuala Lumpur: Ten districts in Bhutan have been earmarked by its football association to celebrate the AFC Grassroots Day 2013 which falls on 15 May.
The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has informed the AFC that it recognises the importance of grassroots football and therefore will celebrate the occasion by having programmes in the 10 districts.
"We will be celebrating in 10 districts with the involvement of all stakeholders and communities in those regions," said Chokey Nima of BFF. "Our focal persons and trained grassroots coaches will be executing the programme and it will be done as per the grassroots mandates.
"We will be doing these grassroots programme with the following philosophies: football for all, early football playing opportunity, fun and enjoyment oriented football, let kids learn by playing games, teach life skills and give exposure besides football and football by all – involving all stakeholders and at the end making the community realise a better purpose in life through this beautiful game."
The AFC has designated this year as the AFC Grassroots Year, aptly themed ‘Let’s Play!’, and is encouraging Member Associations to organise activities to promote and emphasise that football is accessible and socially beneficial to everyone and that a strong foundation will allow players to progress to the elite level.
The AFC Grassroots Day coincides with the International Family Day and will be celebrated throughout the week or other times suitable for the MAs.
At the continental level, a three-day seminar will be held from 15 to 17 May in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will be attended by grassroots heads from the Member Associations.
To further promote and propagate grassroots football at the MA level, the AFC will be organising Grassroots Football Instructors' Courses in the regions of AFC with FIFA’s cooperation.
The AFC will also assist its MAs who need to develop their own Grassroots Framework Policy to guide them to sustainable grassroots football development initiatives.
Photo: BFF