The NMI U20 Women’s National Soccer Team members pose for a photo with Lt. Gov David M. Apatang and NMI Football Association President Jerry Tan during a send-off ceremony Wednesday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association hosted a send-off ceremony Wednesday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville for the NMI U20 Women’s National Soccer Team which will compete in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan Qualifiers this month.
After a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the NMIFA is once again providing opportunities for the women’s team to grow in experience and knowledge.
They will compete in Palestine from March 10 to 12 for a spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2024.
NMI will face host Palestine on March 10, and Nepal on March 12.
Team NMI consists of Mia Abuan, Allyssya Angeles, Christina Atalig, Joselynn Atalig, Nathanette Blas, Erish Carreon, Jannah Casarino, Aubrey Castro, Audrey Castro, Andrei Chavez, Julie Chavez, Megan Elayda, Stephanie Flores, Tamia Kileleman-Hix, Tyana Kileleman-Hix, Deseha Mendiola, Pia Ngewakl, Sophia Quintos, Cassie Regan and Rizza Relucio.
The head of the delegation is Luam Khen Koo while Chi Ming Tang is the head coach.
The rest of the delegation members are assistant coach Mae Ito, assistant coach Ronnel Ocanada, communications manager Mikky Vargas, team doctor Hazel Mabasa, team manager Catherine Attao-Toves, and assistant team manager Yu Hung Lee.
NMIFA President Jerry Tan, in his remarks during the send-off ceremony on Wednesday, said: “[This] means a lot to our coaches, players and parents. Send-off ceremonies are always very special because we are seeing our boys and girls go very far away.”
Tan noted that the last time the ladies participated in an official tournament was almost four years ago.
“Our boys had the opportunity to compete last year and I’m sure at that time, the girls wondered ‘when is our turn?’ — well, today is your turn.”
