In partnership with UNICEF Bhutan, Thimphu City FC brought the girls of Sakten to Thimphu—united by football, driven by purpose.

A Journey Rooted in Vision

In December 2016, Thimphu City Football Club, in collaboration with UNICEF Bhutan, launched a unique initiative titled “Empowering Girls Through Sports to Become Agents of Change.” The objective was simple yet powerful: to bring a group of girls from the remote village of Sakten in Trashigang to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, for a life-changing experience through sport, education, and cultural exchange.

Sakten, a rugged highland settlement known for its resilient semi-nomadic community, had remained isolated from mainstream Bhutan for generations. Yet, within this overlooked village was a team of spirited girls who played football barefoot in the meadows with raw skill and heart. The idea to bring these girls to Thimphu wasn’t just about football—it was about inclusion, inspiration, and exposure.

Leaving the Highlands

The journey began with Thimphu City FC officials embarking on a two-day trek to Sakten. There, they found the girls doing what they loved most: playing football. They were greeted with new football kits—jerseys, boots, and training gear—many of which the girls received for the very first time.

Before they could begin their journey to the capital, the girls attended to their daily responsibilities at home. Some saddled yaks, others fetched water or performed household chores. Only then did they set out on their multi-day journey, hiking and driving through Rangjung, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Phuentsholing, before finally arriving in Thimphu after a long, spirited bus ride filled with songs and laughter.

Football Training, City Lights, and New Experiences

Once in Thimphu, the girls began a twelve-day program that integrated football training with educational and cultural enrichment. Daily morning sessions introduced them to structured coaching—warm-up routines, tactical drills, and team coordination—all conducted at the Changjiji ground by Thimphu City FC’s coaches and players.

It wasn’t long before the girls found themselves in the spotlight. In their first friendly match against Pelkhil School, they struggled in the first half, adjusting to their new boots and artificial turf. At halftime, they made a decision true to their roots—they removed their boots and played barefoot. The result: a stunning comeback, scoring two goals to win 2–1. The performance caught the attention of the national media, including Kuensel and BBS, and left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.

The week also included interactions with prominent Bhutanese women athletes, including Yeatoh Penjore, the country’s first female international bodybuilder. The girls engaged in discussions on overcoming gender stereotypes and embracing sport as a path to empowerment. These candid conversations helped them realize that their stories, too, mattered.

Beyond the Game: Learning That Lasts

Afternoons and evenings were filled with moments of learning and wonder. The girls visited the UN House in Thimphu, where UNICEF Bhutan organized an informative and inspiring session about child rights, health, and education. They also visited RENEW, a national organization working to end gender-based violence, where they participated in a workshop on gender equality, menstrual health, and reproductive rights.

One of the highlights of the trip was a communication and public speaking workshop by Reydoen, a local youth-led social enterprise. Here, the girls developed the confidence to express themselves—skills they would carry back to their communities.

Their cultural journey continued with a trip to Lugar cinema to watch a Bhutanese film, featuring some of the actors they had met earlier. They also attended the 109th National Day celebration at Changlimithang Stadium, followed by a picnic at Kuensel Phodrang, where they had a panoramic view of the city.

A Final Match and a Lasting Legacy

The visit culminated in a friendly but high-stakes match against Thimphu City Ladies FC, Bhutan’s national women’s league champions. The game drew a crowd size normally reserved for men’s league matches. The Sakten girls fought valiantly, losing narrowly 2–3, but winning immense admiration from spectators.

The trip concluded with a celebratory dinner, marking not the end, but the beginning of something far greater. The girls began their journey back home with stories to tell, lessons to share, and a new sense of self-worth. Their return to Sakten was met with pride and curiosity—these girls were now ambassadors, not just of football, but of empowerment.

Impact and the Road Ahead

This initiative proved that football is more than a game. It is a platform for development, dialogue, and transformation. The project not only provided training equipment and exposure but also helped shift mindsets—both among the participants and the wider public.

By facilitating access to sport and education, Thimphu City FC and UNICEF Bhutan created a model of how community outreach and grassroots development can intersect meaningfully. The Sakten girls returned home not as guests of the capital, but as agents of change—ready to inspire others, challenge norms, and keep playing the game they love.

As a club, we remain committed to extending this model to other underserved communities in Bhutan. This is the kind of football we believe in—one that doesn’t just win trophies, but touches lives.