By Sachit Subba • Off-Field • May 15, 2026 10:56 AM • 64 views
KATHMANDU — In an ambitious bid to revolutionise grassroots football and sharpen the tactical acumen of Nepal's youth, Tiptoe Sports Academy has unveiled the country’s inaugural '3-on-3 Football Clinic and Championship 2026'. The event is scheduled for May 16 and 17 (Jestha 2 and 3) at the state-of-the-art Tipto Sports Hub in Sheshmati, Tarakeshwar. This high-octane event marks a significant departure from traditional 11-a-side formats. It was announced on Friday during a press conference at the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) headquarters in Tripureshwor. The initiative is specifically designed to accelerate player development, enhance close-range ball control, and uncover hidden talent within the domestic circuit.
Established in 2021, Tiptoe Sports Academy has steadily anchored itself as a vital pipeline for footballing talent in Nepal. It has achieved this through structured training regimens and community-driven sporting events. However, this weekend's showcase introduces a prestigious global dimension. Injecting international expertise into the project, Japan’s national 3-on-3 football star Yasuhiro Nabeta has arrived in Kathmandu to spearhead the masterclass sessions. Expressing deep admiration for the local footballing ecosystem, Nabeta noted, "I was incredibly inspired by the sheer energy and passion of the Tiptoe team, which compelled me to come to Nepal. The warmth of the people here is truly profound." His presence offers young Nepali prospects a rare opportunity to absorb elite, fast-paced technical philosophies that define East Asian football.
The two-day festival bridges the gap between theory and high-stakes competition with a gruelling schedule. Day one kicks off with a five-hour intensive football clinic, where roughly 150 starlets drawn from various academies and schools nationwide will be put through their paces. Catering to the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 age brackets, the clinic serves as a crucible for sharpening technical skills in tight spaces. The stakes skyrocket on day two as the theoretical knowledge is instantly stress-tested under tournament conditions. A total of 32 elite youth teams will clash in a ruthless single-elimination knockout format, split evenly into 16 boys' and 16 girls' teams across the U-14 and U-16 categories. With silverware, medals, and individual accolades on the line, players must immediately implement Nabeta’s tactical blueprints in a high-pressure environment.
The press conference drew significant gravitas. It was attended by Tiptoe Sports Academy President Gaurav Basnet, CEO Subash Neupane, and former national team captain Hari Khadka, who now serves as Technical Director for the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). Khadka’s endorsement underscores the tournament's strategic importance, positioning it as an essential diagnostic tool for youth development. "This is the first time a tournament of this nature is being staged in Nepal," emphasised Academy President Gaurav Basnet. "While distinct, it will heavily influence mainstream football. Small-sided games are the ultimate litmus test for evaluating a player’s raw skill, decision-making, and composure. This is just the beginning of Tiptoe’s long-term blueprint to reshape the beautiful game in Nepal."
