NMIFA kickers to get a new home

The Northern Mariana Islands Football (Soccer) Association hosted its first awards banquet on Saturday at the Fiesta Resort and Spa after wrapping up a successful season of soccer on Saipan, and its players, coaches, parents, managers, and supporters got a boost when top ranking officials spoke to the crowd.

Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez was among the many high-profile individuals who showed up to extend well wished to the fledgling organization, and he proclaimed the start of a new era in local sports.

“This is indeed exciting and fun for me. The CNMI has always a predominantly a baseball sports town, but soccer is alive in the CNMI thanks to you guys, congratulations,” he said.

After a season in which the players struggled upon the uneven field at the American Memorial Park without complaint, Villagomez inspired a blistering round of applause from the crowd when he explained the administration’s plans to work closely with NMIFA organizers in finding a suitable facility for the kickers.

“The governor made a commitment to [NMIFA president] Jerry [Tan] during our last meeting when we were formalizing their membership to FIFA and he committed himself to dedicate a parcel of land for soccer. Because of that I was tasked and have been working closely with the Department of Public Lands. We’re still looking at the property over in Koblerville. We’re going to revitalize that and dedicate it not only to a sports complex but primarily for soccer,” he said.

The lieutenant governor explained that the reason that the administration was able to move forward with the project was because of the tireless efforts of NMIFA organizers and supporters who have spent countless hours working to provide the CNMI’s youth with the world’s unifying sport.

“It’s all because of you; the dedication and the commitment of bringing this new sport to the CNMI. I’m very happy that after one year the interest continues to grow. It is the most popular sport in the world and we are going to continue to working closely with Jerry Tan and this association and I think that we should continue to share this kind of success in building this sport in the CNMI,” he said.

Villagomez thanked everyone who had a hand in the success of the league and expressed his appreciation for the CNMI’s newest sport.

“On behalf of governor Fitial and the people of the commonwealth, I thank you all—the volunteers, the coaches, the sponsors, you the players, and the parents. Thank you for keeping soccer alive in the CNMI,” he said.