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NMIFA celebrates AFC Grassroots Football Day May 18
Young players participate in the 2018 Asian Football Confederation Grassroots Football Day at the Oleai Sports Complex Field. (Saipan Tribune)
The Northern Mariana Islands Football Association will hold the Asian Football Confederation Grassroots Football Day on May 18 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
The event aims to further popularize the sport at the grassroots level across Asia by emphasizing the fun while participating in various football (soccer) activities in a festival format. The festival will run from 4pm to 6pm and will be made more exciting this year with the inclusion of parents in the program.
NMIFA’s Jersh Angeles said that after the drills and games for young players in the 6 to 10 age group, their parents will join them in other set of activities.
“We want the parents to experience the same fun and excitement their children are having on the pitch. Plus, we like them to be actively involved with their children’s sports because the bonding may encourage them to be future coaches, and that will be a big boost to our grassroots program,” he said.
“It will be very difficult for children to participate and play soccer without the parents’ support. Therefore, NMIFA wants the family to team up and enjoy the sport together,” Angeles added.
May 15 is “AFC Grassroots Football Day” as defined by AFC in 2013. However, May 15 falls on a school day, so NMIFA decided to hold the event next Saturday.
Registration starts 3pm at the NMI Soccer Training Center and it’s free. Players will also get commemorative T-shirts while supplies last. The NMIFA coaches are prepared to accommodate as many as 120 participants.
For more information, contact the NMIFA office at 235-0173 or send email to playsoccer@nmifa.com. (PR)
