Over 200 join NMIFA fall youth festival

Northern Mariana Islands Football Association concluded its shortened fall season for the non-competitive age group with a festival that drew more than 200 participants at the Koblerville Elementary School Field last Saturday.

Matansa Football Club (yellow uniform) and Tan Holdings U8 players chase the ball during their game in the NMIFA youth fall festival last Saturday at the Koblerville Elementary School Ballfield. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

“It was a good turnout. Players still came out to play every weekend despite of the late start for the fall season and then majority of them attended the festival,” said NMIFA general secretary Ross Zapanta.

The festival, which had U8, U10, and U12 age group teams from Paire Football Club, Matansa FC, Shirley’s FC, Tan Holdings FC, MP United FC and Kanoa FC playing 20- (for U8) and 30-minute games (for U10 and U12 divisions) from 8am to 1:30pm, came just five weeks after the participating squads had regular matches at the various school pitches on Saipan. The fall season, which usually lasts for more than two months, was cut short after Typhoon Soudelor hit the island.

“We’re happy that despite of the shortened season, a lot of our youth players still manage to play and enjoy the game,” Zapanta added.

Tan Holdings U6 coach Ladyvir Canape said the shortened season did not dampen the spirit of their players.

“Our players were excited to play every week and they really looked forward to the festival because they wanted to play more games after the season began late. We even had late registrants, who came in two weeks ago and then joined the festival this morning without a uniform,” Canape said.

Tan Holdings FC fielded about 30 players from the U6, U8, and U10 teams during the festival, as its U12 squad is playing in the competitive league.

Paire FC had more than 20 and U10 coach Maria Ornes said they have a lot of newcomers, who have shown significant improvements in the last five weeks.

“We have kids who have never played football before, so we’re proud that despite the shortened season, they managed to learn some skills and improve. They are now out there (festival games), practicing what they learned from our past games,” Ornes said.

Shirley’s FC’s Daniel Macario is another festival first-timer. He coached the U10 squad of the club.

“It’s a very challenging work. At first, I thought it is easy coaching kids, but then I realized it is not. You really need to be patient and at the same time firm to make them learn what you are teaching them. I am glad that despite spending only a few months with my players, I was able to help them improve their skills and enjoy the game. I love to see the kids enjoy playing, especially here at the festival,” Macario said.

Matansa U10 coach Vie Peteru shared Macario’s views, saying seeing players enjoy every game make them love coaching.

“The players’ eagerness to play and learn encouraged us coaches to come out every week and guide them. They are really having fun out there,” Peteru said.