THE annual Northern Mariana Islands Football Association-Asian Football Confederation Women’s Football Day event on Sunday was a success with over 200 female participants gathering at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
Female coaches, referees, officials and players joined the festivity which was part of this year’s International Women’s Month celebration.
The highlight of the day was a 3v3 single elimination tournament.
Six teams saw action in the Novice A (age 16-29) Division; 14 teams in Novice B (age 30+); 13 teams in Intermediate A (ages 16-29); 14 teams in Intermediate B (age 30+); and six teams in the Premier (Open) Division.
The division winners were the MP United Turf Queens who triumphed over the Matansa Football Club Tatagas, 1-0, (Novice A); Shirley’s Football Club Longganisa PRIDE Rice which slipped past Matansa Latte, 1-0, (Novice B); Shirley’s Football Club Golden PRIDE Shrimp which outplayed Shirley’s Football Club PRIDE Pork Crispy Pata, 4-2, (Intermediate A); Paire Team 2 which beat Kanoa Team 4, 2-0, (Intermediate B); and Kanoa Team 1 which outhustled Kanoa Team 2, 5-3, (Premier).
Messages
In his message, Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said:
“There is no denying that women’s football in Asia has made giant strides on the global stage in recent years. From our women’s national teams proving to be some of the best in the world, to more women entering the sport in leadership roles, their contributions have been pivotal in shaping Asian football and taking it forward.
“Thanks to the unity and commitment of our Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs), the women’s game in Asia has achieved phenomenal success in the past year. On the field, the performance of the women’s national teams and clubs has been a shining example of the tireless efforts of the MAs and RAs in enhancing the standards of professional women’s football in Asia.
“As we celebrate the history Asian women are scripting, let us also look forward to the many new chapters that we will write together in the firm assurance that the AFC will always work in close partnership with all of you to usher in a new era for the women’s game.”
For her part, NMIFA Executive Committee Member Catherine Attao said:
“The NMIFA Women’s Committee is very proud of the exceptional growth in numbers, development and excitement for women’s football in our community! As the women’s committee continues to work diligently in coordinating and managing different activities and leagues to support this growth, we are grateful for the leadership of NMIFA President Jerry Tan, who champions this growth and support of women’s football, the Asian Football Confederation, FA’s Ex-Co and all club officers and coaches that continue to support this platform for Women to build strong camaraderie and friendships, while making strides in improving our overall health.”
Northern Mariana Islands Football Association President Jerry Tan delivers his remarks to over 200 participants of the NMIFA-AFC Women’s Football Day event Sunday at the NMI Soccer Training Center.
