Members of the Nepali community in Tasmania have formed Nepalese Football Club of Tasmania to connect youth with sports. Formed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the founding members of the club have said the football club aims to help youth, who have much free time on their hand, to spend their time in a more productive manner.
The football club was founded and initiated by NRNA Tasmania’s coordinator Sandesh Pariyar, and has been supported by Hotondo Homes New Town, Tasmania, a company with which Mr. Paraiyar is professionally associated with.
According to Director of Hotondo Homes New Town, Tasmania, Craig Ellis, ‘he was intrigued to hear about the formation of a football club involving members of the Nepali community’ He believed in the club’s vision to connect youth with sports, and therefore extended support to the football club on behalf of Hotondo Homes.
According to club members, Nepalese Football Club of Tasmania will initially feature 20 players. The club will organise matches with other teams and players which includes Nepalis and Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community.
Ud Gurung, captain of Nepalese Football Club of Tasmania believes the club will unite Nepalis in Tasmania, and give a purpose to those who nothing to do in their free time. “Football entails fun and discipline, and I believe the club will foster a positive spirit within our community”, Gurung said.
Sudip Tamang, manager of the club believes the trend of Nepalis arriving into Tasmania will continue in the coming years. “This means lots of players will be coming in, and community football could be a big thing in the future”
“We will eventually participate in tournaments held in other states of Australia too”, he added with much enthusiasm.
Khagendra Satyal from Hobart, Tasmania has contributed to this news report.
