MPU celebrates 10th anniversary, basks in glory

MP United Football Club officials thank the players, parents, and supporters of the club during the group’s 10th anniversary celebration last Sunday at the Seaside Hall of Kanoa Resort. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

MP United Football Club celebrated its 10th anniversary last Sunday at the Seaside Hall of Kanoa Resort, recalling the group’s slew of achievements for a decade.

“I, together with the MPU directors, are so proud to be part of our rich history in all competitive age groups from U12 to U18 and adult. We are determined to continue our goal to develop many fine young male and female individuals into independent, fair, and respectful leaders and productive citizens in our global community while maintaining the highest level of integrity and team spirit,” MP United president Vickie Izuka said in her message read by vice president and technical director Norman Del Rosario. Izuka is off-island thus could not make it to the celebration.

“It was an amazing and memorable 10 years. Toast to another exciting 10 years,” Izuka added.

The club, which is one of the four founding members of Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, has won 38 championships to date and has produced the most number of men’s, women’s and youth members of the CNMI national teams in the last 10 years. It has competed in several off-island tournaments, brought in guest coaches, players, and teams, and participated in community outreach programs.

“We can say that MP United is the model club in CNMI football,” said NMIFA president Jerry Tan, who was the guest speaker at the weekend event.

“MP United has done a lot of wonderful things for our program. The club has been working with NMIFA since Day 1. I remember during our early days, it was very difficult to introduce the sport here. We have to go to school, talk to the students, the teachers, and the parents and asked them to try kicking the ball, because it’s fun. The rest is history, as MP United and other pioneering clubs continue to encourage our youth to play the sport and be active,” Tan added.

MP United’s success and the continued development of its players, coaches, and officials would not be possible without the tireless support of its sponsors, led by IT&E. The telecommunication company and MP United’s other backers were presented with plaques of appreciation during the anniversary celebration.

MP United also acknowledged Vivid Blue, it’s sister club from Japan, for the partnership and friendship. The visiting group’s president and founder Sachiko Tahara then handed over a plaque to MP United vice president Lydia Tan as a gift for the host’s anniversary. Tahara and some Vivid Blue U12 players competed in the Pacific Ocean Cup 9 held last Saturday at the Hopwood Middle School Field.

Meanwhile, a collection of video footages of former IT&E players and coaches was played during the celebration with the club’s alumni thanking MP United for helping them discover their passion for soccer and preparing them for life after their playing years with the group.