NMI U15 Women’s National Team to compete in EAFF women’s championship

THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association held a send-off ceremony Monday night at the NMI Soccer Training Center for the NMI U15 Women’s National Team, which will compete in the East Asian Football Federation U15 Women’s Championship 2024 on Aug. 14-24 in Dalian, China.

The team consists of Hailey Benavente, Alyssa Borlongan, Mataina Reyes, Elyza Brillo, Jade Pascual, Orica George, Aira Daca, Cassidee Flores, Beatrice Gross, Angel Calayag, Alyssa Brasuell, Stacy Arriola, Miley Mafnas, Iris Rasa, Talina Aguon-McClure, Aubrey White, Va’aina Reyes, Rhodalyn Palumar, Maya Jung and Kaye Anne Costales. The delegation head is Luam Khen Koo, the head coach is Chi Ming Tang, the assistant coaches are Mae Ito and Ronnel Ocanada, the team manager is Bernadette Horey, the assistant team manager is Yu Hung Lee, and the team physiotherapist is Hazel Mabasa.

The delegation will play in group B along with Hong Kong, Guam, Mongolia and Macau.

The NMI will play against Macau on Aug. 16; against Mongolia on Aug. 18; against Hong Kong on Aug. 20; and against Guam on Aug. 23.

In his remarks at the send-off ceremony, NMIFA President Jerry Tan said, “On behalf of the NMI Football Association, I would like to wish the team good luck. The majority of our players in the NMI U15 Women’s National Team will be playing in their first big international tournament and I am positive that they will learn a lot from this experience [by] competing against other teams from the region. They’ve been training hard year-round, and this is the time to put into practice the individual skills and team strategies they’ve learned from their coaches.”

Tan added, “Represent the NMI well and enjoy the games. I would also like to thank the players’ family members, especially their parents, for supporting our players as they continue their soccer journey with the NMIFA.”

Team captains Alyssa Borlongan and Beatrice Gross also shared a few words.

“We want to give a heartfelt thanks to our coaches, Mr. Jerry Tan, NMIFA, and the community for the dedication you’ve shown our team throughout this journey. To our parents: we would not be able to stand here today representing the NMI without your encouragement and unwavering support. We are extremely grateful to you,” Borlongan said.

“The team is committed to doing their best in the competition. We have been working hard since January, and we can't wait to compete in the international tournament. We are eager to represent the NMI and demonstrate our dedication to soccer. Your encouragement truly means a lot to us!” Gross said.

Besides the send-off, the NMIFA also held a recognition ceremony for the NMI Women’s National Team and the NMI Men’s U20 National Team.

Published by Saipan Tribune - Aug 15, 2024