THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association hosted a send-off ceremony for the NMI U20 Women’s National Team at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Friday, as the team begins preparations for the upcoming AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
The ceremony was attended by Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, NMIFA President Jerry Tan, and other NMIFA officials — all of whom shared special remarks — along with family members, friends, and community supporters celebrating the young athletes selected to represent the NMI.
NMIFA President Jerry Tan noted that this is the team’s first major competition, and the first of four AFC-sanctioned tournaments they will be participating in before the year ends.
Lt. Governor Mendiola expressed his pride in the team and wished them success. “Represent the CNMI with pride, and we thank you for your hard work and efforts,” he said.
Following the send-off ceremony, the team departed for a training camp in the Philippines. As part of their preparations, they are scheduled to play friendly matches against Tuloy FC and Kaya FC.
The team will then travel to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to compete in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, which will take place from August 6 to 10 at Dustlik Stadium.
The qualifiers feature 33 national teams divided into eight groups, with the NMI placed in Group G alongside Jordan, Bahrain, and host nation Uzbekistan.
The NMI’s match schedule is as follows:
August 6 vs. Jordan at 10:30 p.m.
August 9 vs. Uzbekistan at 1:30 a.m.
August 10 vs. Bahrain at 10:30 p.m.
The NMI U20 Women’s National Team consists of:
Players – Mia Abuan, Abrey White, Iris Rasa, Joselyn Atalig, Orica George, Ye Lynn Ha, Summer Manahane, Cassidee Flores, Kaithlyn Chavez, Audrey Castro, Deseha Mendiola, Julie Chavez, Rizza Relucio, Sophia Quintos, Stacy Arriola, Alyssa Borlongan, Fiona Regan, Cassie Regan, Tamia Kileleman-Hix, and Megan Elayda.
Staff – Head of Delegation Luam Khen Koo; Head Coach Chi Ming Tang; Assistant Coaches Shuk Fan Wong, Mae Ito, and Ronnel Ocanada; Team Manager Khristelle Itaas; Assistant Team Manager Yu Hung Lee; and Team Director Robert Zarajczyk.
Members of the NMI Women’s U20 National Team pose for a photo with officials of the NMI Football Association and Lt. Gov Dennis Mendiola during a send-off ceremony at the Ada gym on Friday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
NMI Women’s U20 National Team players Rizza Relucio and Kaithlyn Chavez with Lt. Gov Dennis Mendiola.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
NMI Football Association President Jerry Tan delivers his remarks.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
