Members of the Junior National Academy program celebrate after scoring a goal in a scrimmage early this year at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
NMIFA photo
THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association will kick off a series of tryouts for its Junior National Academy today, Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
The JNA is a specialized program for players aged 10 to 12. Selected participants will undergo several months of training, equipping them with strong fundamentals to prepare for the national team training program.
“This is your path to the NMI National Team. Several players who have had the honor of representing the NMI in international competitions started their journey through the JNA,” JNA head coach Jersh Angeles said. “The main objective of this program is for our youth players to learn the essential fundamental skills of football and to build a strong foundation needed to become an NMI National Team player in the future.”
Tryouts on Sept. 16, 18, and 23 will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Once the trials are complete, the JNA will select separate pools for boys and girls. Participants will then engage in extensive training sessions.
The program also goes beyond football, with players participating in community activities designed to teach values and life skills. A culminating activity — either a domestic or international event — is included, providing participants with opportunities to showcase and practice the skills learned during training.
To register or for more information, call 670-235-0173 or email jangeles@nmifa.com/.
