Global Sports Partners (GSP) Coaches recently had an exciting opportunity to re-engage with the sports community in Bhutan, a country renowned for its rich history in sports training. This endeavor marked a significant return for GSP, as they embarked on a baseball and softball training project in February 2024, following a series of successful projects in the past.
GSP’s Director of Business Development, Justin Rhodes, and Director of Sport Programming, Tyler Ferguson, accompanied by four experts from the USA, led a four-day training program aimed at enhancing the skills of both coaches and players in Bhutan. The primary objectives of the training initiative centered on providing advanced coaching techniques and fostering player development for potential inclusion in the national teams.
The picturesque setting of Dechencholing Higher School in Thimphu served as the perfect backdrop for a comprehensive training schedule. The sessions kicked off with morning classes conducted in a school classroom, where 15 young baseball and softball coaches received training on GSP's Transformational Coaching curriculum and sport-specific education. Following the classroom sessions, the coaches and trainers moved to the school's football pitch for hands-on field training. The week culminated with an umpire session and a wiffle ball mini-game, allowing the coaches to put their newly acquired skills into practice.
“The coaching program has greatly enriched my understanding of coaching techniques in baseball and softball. I have acquired a wealth of new knowledge about effective training methods and how to improve as a coach. Some key takeaways from the international experts include enhancing athletes' competence, confidence, connection, and character within specific coaching contexts. I plan to implement what I have learned during matches and training sessions. Additionally, I intend to support new players.” — Bishnu Lal Chamlagai, Participant and Head Coach of Jigme Namgyel
In the afternoon sessions, 20 baseball and 20 softball players at the U18 and senior levels engaged in detailed player development training under the guidance of both expert trainers and trainee coaches. The focus lay on skill enhancement, game strategy, and honing their capabilities for potential national team selection. The highlight of the training program was a thrilling 70-minute live gameplay session, followed by a certificate ceremony recognizing the hard work and achievements of the players throughout the week.
"This week has been an honor and a highlight for our entire team. We realized immediately that Bhutan is a special place with special people. We have been delighted to spend time working with the players and coaches from the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association. In the classroom and on the field, everyone did an outstanding job coming together and working hard to learn and improve. It was rewarding to see rapid development in very little time. We had 15 coaches and 40 players join us this week, and each one of them enhanced their skills, expanded their knowledge, and increased their confidence.
I want to give a special thank you to Dechencholing Higher School, its staff and students for opening its doors to host our programs. I also want to thank Sanjeevan Raj Gurung and the BBSA team for being a tremendous partner throughout this project. A bond has been formed this week, and we are excited to continue to share the game of baseball throughout the beautiful nation of Bhutan." – Global Sports Partners Director of Sport Programming, Tyler Ferguson
The collaboration between GSP Coaches and the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association was instrumental in the success of the event. The dedication and passion exhibited by all participants underscored the collective commitment to advancing sports training and player development in Bhutan, setting a promising stage for future collaborations and initiatives in the realm of sports education.
