Football has a way of bringing people together in ways that often transcend the game itself. It connects souls, unites strangers, and sometimes, it touches hearts in ways you never expect. That’s exactly what happened one unforgettable evening when Yeshey, a devoted member and hardcore supporter of Transport United FC (TUFC), received a message from a friend in Punakha.

The video that followed was unlike anything Yeshey had seen before. It wasn’t just a clip of football fans cheering for their team—it was a group of young monks from Lekshed Jungney Buddhist College, passionately celebrating the recent match between Transport United FC and Thimphu City FC. In their maroon robes, these young monks were buzzing with excitement, their chants of support for TUFC echoing through their peaceful surroundings.

“Yeshey, you won’t believe how crazy these young monks are about TUFC,” his friend wrote. “They’re big fans, and during the match, they were cheering like they were in the stadium themselves.”

As Yeshey watched the video, he was moved beyond words. These young monks, living far away from the hustle of city life, had become ardent fans of TUFC. Despite their peaceful lives devoted to study and prayer, football was their passion, and TUFC had captured their hearts. The most touching part? His friend told him that these monks regularly included Transport United FC in their personal prayers, gathering together to pray for the team’s success and safety.

They didn’t just love football—they loved Transport United FC.

The thought of these monks, who had no personal connection to the club, offering their prayers for the team was simply overwhelming. The TUFC family had no idea these young monks existed, let alone that they had been cheering for them, praying for them. It was as though these boys were their silent guardians, sending waves of positive energy toward the field from the tranquility of their monastery.

When Yeshey shared this heartwarming story with the TUFC family, it stunned everyone. It was a reminder that the love of football runs deep and wide, sometimes reaching corners of the world you’d never expect.

Jigme Tshewang, President of Transport United FC, was deeply moved. “These young monks have touched our hearts,” he said. “We never asked for their prayers or support, but they gave it so freely, with so much love. It’s humbling.”

Jigme immediately inquired how they could help these young monks or show their appreciation. The message came back clear and simple: all these boys dreamed of was wearing the official TUFC jersey. They had been dreaming of it for so long.

“They don’t ask for much,” Yeshey told the president. “Just a jersey, something to feel even closer to the team they hold so dear.”

The decision was made instantly. A full set of jerseys was prepared and sent to the monks as a token of the club’s gratitude. It wasn’t just about sending them jerseys—it was about recognizing their support, their prayers, and the love they had for a team they had never met, but loved like family.

As the jerseys made their way to Punakha, the entire TUFC family couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to these young monks. They had shown them that football was more than just a game—it was a bond, a shared love that could cross distances, cultures, and even lives devoted to quiet prayer.

“This is what keeps us alive,” the president said. “Knowing that there are people out there, like these young monks, who believe in us, who support us, and who send us their prayers, that’s what pushes us forward. Thank you to all our fans, wherever you are. You’re the heart of this team.”

The story of the young monks in Punakha is a reminder that football is about more than goals and victories. It’s about the unseen connections, the silent prayers, and the hearts that beat for the team, even from far away.

To those monks, and to every supporter who stands with Transport United FC—we see you, we feel you, and we are forever grateful. You are the reason we play.