THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association on Friday held a send-off ceremony at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville for the NMI U17 Women’s National Team which will compete in the qualifying round of the Asian Football Confederation U20 Asian Women’s Cup 2024 in Thailand.
The NMI will face Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia at the Buriram City Stadium from April 26 to 30.
The NMI players are Mia Ysabela Abuan, Mariana Angeles, Stacy Arriola, Hailey Benavente, Andrei Chavez, Julie Chavez, Kaye Costales, Anna Dalusung, Megan Elayda, Valerie Estella, Azriel Fatialofa, Ella Hall Alana Hayes, Tamia Kileleman Hix, Vianca Mangulabnan, Cassie Regan, Jacqlene Torres and Vaniqa Marie Torres.
“Our team takes great pride to represent our islands in this international competition and it would definitely boost their confidence level further to see the community rallying behind them. We appreciate the continued support and guidance from parents, NMIFA and club officials and coaches,” team manager, Catherine Toves said.
For his part, head coach Luam Khen Koo said, “This is part of the learning opportunities for the team and a reminder for the players to go all out on the pitch all the time and keep fighting.”
The NMI U17 women’s team went to a training camp on Guam last week as part their preparations for the AFC event. They were coached by Koo, an Olympian, in three matches against Guam’s national team and attended regular training sessions at the Guam Football Association’s training center in Dededo.
Koo said playing against the much older Guam players was a good training opportunity for the NMI.
“It was a great game as our girls were able to physically compete against the older Guam squad. We needed games like that to be prepared mentally and physically for the AFC competition against Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which are big soccer countries with a strong soccer culture,” Koo said.
NMIFA President Jerry Tan said, “Every send-off ceremony is important as we recognize the team for their hard work in preparing for the competition and the people who continue to support our players, especially their parents. Do your best and thank the people who made this opportunity possible for you.”
Aside from Koo and Toves the NMIFA officials and members accompanying the NMI players are the head of the delegation, Mita Michiteru, assistant coaches Jershwin Angeles and Lalaine Pagarao, technical analyst Jireh Yobech, team doctor Hazel Mabasa and assistant team manager Yu Hung Lee.
The NMI U17 Women’s National Team members pose for a photo with their team manager Catherine Toves, third left seated, and the other members of the coaching staff, during a send-off ceremony at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Friday.
