The multi-purpose indoor facility accommodates futsal, badminton, and basketball games – among others – and is aimed at spreading sports around the island.
“It took a couple months of planning and renovation,” said Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan in his welcoming remarks. He heads the recently formed Saipan Soccer School, which will utilize the complex starting today.
“This is for the community, for both people young and old. I’m glad we’re able to do it,” he added.
Saipan Mayor Donald Flores described the facility as a “great addition to the island.”
Also present were Guam’s Barrigada Mayor Jessie Palican, Dr. Tan Siu Lin, Jerry’s twin brother Raymond Tan, Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael White, and technical coaches from Hong Kong’s Chelsea Football Club Soccer School.
Leslie George Santos, a decorated football icon from HK and one of Chelsea FC’s coaches, attended the grand opening after completing his three-day soccer camp on island. Joining him were fellow technical director Luam Khen Koo, head coach Kwok On David Tsui, and public relations officer Sue Sze.
As part of the program, Chelsea FC donated 10 balls to each of the six soccer clubs on island – Matansa, Independent FC, Paire, Shirley’s, Tan Holdings, and MP United.
The opening capped off with mini competitions for young soccer players.
Chelsea FC coaches complete 3-day camp
Prior to the TSL Sports Complex’s grand opening, last Friday marked the end of a special three-day soccer camp hosted by Leslie Santos and his fellow Chelsea FC Soccer School (HK) technical coaches.
The training camp welcomed 15-and-under players on Wednesday, adults on Thursday, and local coaches on Friday.
Santos recalled having different programs for each group, especially female players.
“We taught some new things to them and it’s good for them,” he told Marianas Variety.
“Most of them liked shooting,” Santos referred to his younger participants. “For most of the kids, the first thing they need is a little passing, because some of them don’t know how to pass.”
He believed that football players must work hard to achieve their goals.
“In one or two years, they will grow better and better,” said Santos.
He considers returning to island next year for another camp.
Saipan Soccer School launches summer camp
Aspiring soccer players eight or 10-years-old and below will have a chance to improve their soccer skills by enrolling in the Saipan Soccer School’s free summer camp.
The first of four sessions starts today and ends June 24. Daily sessions for the 10U group last from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 8U players follow at 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Prospective registrants must sign up in advance, as each session is limited to 20 participants only.
The camp will take place at the TSL Sports Complex.
Among the camp directors are Tan Holdings Football Club coach Jershwin Angeles and Shirley’s FC head technical coach Ruselle Zapanta.
Session two is set for June 27-July 8. Session three is scheduled for July 11-22, with the fourth at July 25-August 5.
