Previous Story
Women get turn on soccer field
|
Posted on Feb 21 2006
The Northern Mariana Islands Football (Soccer) Association expanded its program Saturday afternoon at the American Memorial Park, hosting an introductory session for women in hopes of promoting the sport in the Commonwealth.
In all, about 16 women took part in the session. The women finally got a piece of the action alongside the youths, who are also continuing to enhance their skills with competitive practice games at the AMP.
According to NMIFA official Sue Knecht, the association is currently in search of a sponsor for a women’s tournament that is tentatively scheduled for sometime in May.
“We are planning on offering women’s soccer in the league, but just trying to generate the interest and see how many people will join in,” Knecht said.
Knecht said introductory sessions would be held every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30pm at the Bell Tower meeting area. Sessions will also be held on Saturdays at 3pm for the next four weeks.
“The intro is for anyone, from beginner to experienced players,” Knecht said while extending an invitation to all interested women to take part in the sport.
Meanwhile, NMIFA’s session ending tournament begins this Saturday, Feb. 25.
Knecht is currently drawing up the schedule and will release official information in the coming days.
Since reviving the sport of soccer, NMIFA has taken huge steps in improving the level of play in the Commonwealth, as well as promote the sport.
NMIFA has applied last November to become a member of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, with the decision expected as early as June during the FIFA Congress in Germany.
East Asian Football Federation general secretary general Takeo Okada, as well as eight other football officials from Guam, Korea, Macau, China, and Guam visited potential soccer venues all over the island during their visit last month.
Over 300 boys and girls have been active in NMIFA games, and NMIFA president Jerry Tan had earlier expressed hope to boost that number to over 1,000 in the coming years.
