The spirit of the NMI was on full display Sunday night as the NMI U15 Men’s National Team received best wishes during a send-off ceremony hosted by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, ahead of their trip to the FIFA Forward Programme EAFF U15 Championship 2025 in Zhangzhou, China, from December 18 to 22.
The event featured opening remarks from NMIFA President Jerry Tan and special remarks by PSS Senior Director for Student Support Services, Jackie Quitugua.
NMIFA President Tan highlighted the significance of the event, which features eight of East Asia’s top nations, giving the young NMI squad the opportunity to test their skills on the regional stage.
Though young and taking their first step onto the international stage, the 20-man squad stood united during the ceremony. The roster includes Travis Kileleman-Hix, Jebro Leon, Edric Morales, Jed Cornista, Ali Santos Jr, Benjie Escano Jr, Izaiah Tenorio, Napu Pangelinan, Aldric Antonio, Yutaka Kadokura, Damien Concepcion, Jaide Benson, Xavier Camacho, Ronald Manabat, Dominic Chhetri, Kain Estolas, Arstin Tagabuel, Brandon Teigita, Justo Quitugua, and Taiga Namai-Scoggins.
Leading the squad is a skilled coaching and official staff: Atsushi Hanita (Goalkeeper Coach), Wataru Kadokura (Assistant Coach), Brian Briones (Team Doctor), Naruhiko Tsutsumi (Assistant Coach), and Mikky Buno (Team Manager).
The NMI team will compete in Group B of the EAFF U15 Championship, facing tough opponents such as Chinese Taipei, Macau, and Guam.
NMI’s opening match is against Chinese Taipei on December 18 at 12:00 p.m., followed by Macau on December 20 at 12:00 p.m., and their final match against Guam on December 22 at 5:10 p.m.
In a social media post, NMIFA stated, “Our U15 boys will face strong competition in their group. This campaign represents an important test of their discipline, resilience, and teamwork — and we know our young men are ready to give everything for the NMI.”
