Repair work at NMITC moves forward

The crumpled artificial turf of the mini pitch at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville is seen here after the facility was hammered by Super Typhoon Yutu late last year. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The project that seeks to repair the damage caused by Super Typhoon Yutu at the NMI Soccer Training Center is moving forward, as the Asian Football Confederation has already issued a request for proposal for the construction of the mini pitch of the facility in Koblerville.

In a press statement posted at the AFC website, it’s stated that the RFP is for companies specializing in the production and supply of artificial football pitches for the construction of an artificial mini pitch and its auxiliary structures at the NMITC.

“The infrastructure needs could include floodlights, scoreboards, pitch maintenance equipment, football-related infrastructure at a training/technical center, including seating solutions, fencing, and/or any other football specific infrastructure projects deemed to fulfill the guidelines of such projects,” the announcement stated.

Companies submitting the RFP should send at email to procurement@the-afc.com by July 26. Full details related to the RFP, including AFC’s requirements, will be provided to vendors upon confirmation of participation.

Meanwhile, Northern Mariana Islands Football Association is pleased with this latest development and thanked AFC, under the leadership of Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, for assisting NMIFA in the repair work at the facility that was torn down by Yutu just a little over three months after its inauguration in July last year.

“We are deeply grateful to AFC for their unwavering commitment to CNMI football, for stepping up immediately to make sure we will get the needed repairs at the NMITC so we can provide a high standard and safe facility for our players, coaches, and other members of the community using the center,” NMIFA president Jerry Tan said.

A few days after Saipan was hammered by Super Typhoon Yutu in October last year, peeling off the artificial turf of the mini pitch at the NMITC and causing major damage to other facilities, Tan received a letter from AFC, inquiring how it can be of assistance to NMIFA. Then the following month, AFC sent its assessment team to Saipan to identify parts of the NMITC that needed repair as soon as possible.

AFC development consultant Domeka Garamendi and consultant for infrastructure Baltazar Avelino met with NMIFA and after assessing the damage at the training center, they listed six priorities: fence, artificial turf equipment (cleaning and maintenance), pitches equipment (goal posts/nets), mini pitch, floodlight, and NMIFA transport vehicle.

Temporary repair work was also done at the facility to allow the national teams to resume their training, which was halted for about two months, and give the various clubs the opportunity to prepare for the spring season competition after the fall games were canceled.

“Having a facility that conforms to international standards and is appropriate for training and actual games is one of the key factors in growing the sport in the CNMI. It is crucial in helping our players, especially the youth, and coaches/officials develop their skills,” NMIFA general secretary Ross Zapanta said. (PR)