Dove commits to women’s soccer program anew

Dove continues to rally behind a program that uplifts women by providing them with opportunities to build skills, showcase their talents, and boost their potential.

Dove, through its distributor Unilever International and D&Q Saipan, extended its $10,000 annual sponsorship to the thriving women’s soccer program of the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association. Dove’s commitment to CNMI women’s soccer dates back to 2015, and the brand and its distributors believe the partnership will continue.

Unilever International assistant business development manager Anne Kathryn Ching, D&Q Saipan resident manager Max Kretzers, and regional sales manager Marilyn Marron handed over the $10,000 check to NMIFA officials led by president Jerry Tan. Also present at the check turnover ceremony last Wednesday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville were NMIFA vice president Vickie Izuka, general secretary Ross Zapanta, executive director Ruselle Zapanta, deputy general secretary Merlie Tolentino, treasurer Elna Curate, players from some of the clubs, and members of the CNMI Women’s National Team training pool. NMIFA Women’s Committee chair Patricia Coleman, who is also part of the NMIFA Executive Committee along with Wesley Bogdan and Norman Del Rosario, attended the event, too.

“We are really happy to support a good cause, to see more and more women, especially the youth, getting involved in soccer. It’s good to be part of this program, it’s worth it,” Kretzers said.

“By supporting this program, Dove and Unilever want to ensure that we don’t just do business. We also stand for a purpose and Dove’s purpose is to empower women, for them to be comfortable with their skin. Here, we want women players to be comfortable with the sport of soccer, to be confident that they can play well and succeed,” Ching said.

The Unilever official added that it’s an honor for Dove to be part of something that provides opportunities to people, especially to women.

“There are a lot of people who are good in sports or have a lot of potential, but they don’t have the venue to showcase their talents. Dove is happy and honored that through its sponsorship of NMIFA’s women’s program, women are given the chance to play, interact with other players and teams, and develop leadership skills,” Ching said.

Under the Dove-backed women’s soccer program, CNMI players compete in regular leagues, train under certified coaches, participate in off-island tournaments and training camps, and have access to equipment and other resources that help in their improvement.

“Since Day 1, NMIFA has been fully committed to the development of women’s soccer. We’re so glad that we’re able to organize regular leagues for two seasons (spring and fall), strengthen our national team, send many of our girls to international competition, and encourage more girls to join the program. All these would not be possible without corporate support—without Dove, Unilever, and D&Q Saipan. Without them, we will not be able to take our program to the next level. We are very grateful for their generosity and with our partnership, I can confidently say that our women’s soccer program has a bright future,” Tan said.

Empowering women
Women’s soccer in the CNMI has come a long way, from female players joining co-ed leagues just to hit the pitch to women doing the recruitment themselves to share the beauty of the sport and inspire them to stay active.

Dove’s consistent support made it easier for the program to grow.

“Dove truly stands to empower women. In addition to boosting players’ morale, Dove’s sponsorship has helped fund training camps and other player development opportunities for our U14 to full women’s national team. It has also helped subsidize the costs (to join leagues) for female players who experience financial hardship,” said Coleman, who assisted with the founding of the first women’s league.

“With Dove allowing our players to compete here and off-island, they gain invaluable experiences that teach work ethic, teamwork, and leadership,” the former CNMI National Team member added.

Si Yu’us Ma’ase
“We owe what we are enjoying with the program to our supporters, led by Dove,” said CNMI National Women’s Team member Guinevere Borja, who has been playing soccer for nearly 15 years.
“Like what my mom (Coleman) said, when the program started, it was tough to get players because of some financial challenges. Coaches/officials had to pick up players from schools or their homes to bring them to the pitch and provide them with other assistance. But when Dove came, we got more support and it was easier to encourage the girls to come out and join the sport because we have the resources,” Borja said.

Through Dove and NMIFA’s support, Borja and a host of female players managed to travel to other countries not only to compete and train, but to experience other people’s culture.

“Thank you Dove for providing us with the opportunities that not everyone can have. Even though we don’t always get the results we hope for when we compete, your continued support inspires us to train harder and stay focused and committed to the program because we know someone has our back. Thank you, Dove,” Borja said.

The national team member also encouraged other women to join the sport.

“We are always welcoming new players. Come and join us to have the opportunity and honor to represent our islands and to stay fit and healthy,” Borja said. (PR)