In the second phase of our partnership with UNICEF Bhutan, Thimphu City FC travelled to Sakten—taking football, friendship, and a message of unity from the city to one of the most remote corners of Bhutan.

After hosting the remarkable Sakten girls in Thimphu the previous year, it was now our turn to visit them in their homeland. On October 8, 2017, Thimphu City Girls FC made their way to the eastern highlands of Trashigang for the second chapter of “Empowering Girls Through Sports to Become Agents of Change.”

This initiative was more than a sports tour. It was a cultural exchange grounded in mutual respect, discovery, and growth. While the first part of the program brought rural youth into urban spaces to broaden their horizons, this return visit gave our players the opportunity to experience life in a remote highland community—learning firsthand about tradition, resilience, and the shared passion for football that connects us all.

A Journey with Purpose

The journey to Sakten was long and challenging, involving hours of travel by road and mountain trails. But the reward was beyond anything we had imagined. Nestled in pristine natural beauty and surrounded by mountain ranges, Sakten greeted our team with warmth and excitement.

The visit also carried a profound emotional weight. Before the match began, both teams observed a minute of silence in memory of Sangay Dema, the late captain of the Sakten girls’ team, who had tragically passed away earlier that year. Her absence was deeply felt, but her spirit was present in the energy and courage of the players she once led.

A Match That Transcended Scorelines

The highlight of the visit was the friendly match between the Sakten Lower Secondary School girls and Thimphu City Girls FC. Played on the school’s open field, surrounded by cheering villagers, the match drew a crowd that reflected the pride and hope the local community placed in their girls’ team.

Despite the uneven pitch and high altitude, the game was fiercely contested. The young Sakten side put on a determined performance against their more experienced opponents. The final score read 4–3 in favor of the visitors, but the true victory belonged to everyone who watched and played.

For the girls from Thimphu, the experience was humbling. From learning how water is collected to seeing families live close to the land, they left with new appreciation—not just for rural life, but for the deep cultural roots and community values that define Sakten. Many of the players reflected that while they had arrived thinking they were bringing knowledge, they left with far more than they had given.

Empowerment Through Exchange

While this phase of the program was shorter in duration than the initial visit, the impact was no less significant. The Sakten girls were gifted new football gear—including boots, jerseys, and jackets—thanks to the generous support of partners. The presence of branding from UNICEF and We The Future on the team apparel reminded all participants that this project stood for something larger: empowerment, equity, and access through sport.

The project also created meaningful moments of cultural sharing. Conversations around tradition, education, and aspirations flowed freely. Our players had the rare opportunity to experience a lifestyle vastly different from their own, while finding common ground in the language of sport.

In recognition of the occasion, both teams were presented with gifts and cash prizes. Additionally, a small condolence offering was extended to the family of Sangay Dema, honoring her legacy and the spirit she brought to the game.

Building On the Momentum

The Empowering Girls Through Sports program continues to stand as a testament to what purposeful partnerships can achieve. With minimal infrastructure, but with intention and heart, football became the bridge between urban and rural youth—between tradition and change, between opportunity and action.

At Thimphu City FC, we remain deeply committed to expanding such opportunities. Whether in stadiums or schoolyards, we believe sport is a powerful tool to engage youth, promote equality, and inspire futures that may otherwise go unseen.

This visit to Sakten reminded us that even the most remote communities are rich in strength, talent, and stories that deserve to be heard. And as always, it reminded us why we do what we do.