Saipan Tribune

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Friday, October 12, 2012

NMIFA YOUTH PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Name: Enrico Del Rosario
Age Group: U18
Team: MP United FC
Position: Defender
Jersey No.: #7
Years of Playing Experience: 8 years
Village: As Lito
School: Saipan Southern High School
Grade: 10
Favorite Player or Team:
Vinnie Jones/FC Barcelona

Q: How did you become interested in football?

A: When I was 8 years old, I saw some of the older guys in my school playing and they asked if I wanted to play with them. After I played with them I started to like it and played more and now I breathe football.

Q: Why do you like to play football?

A: It is an exciting game and requires lots of teamwork rather than just individual skills. It also gives you opportunity to travel to different places.

Q: What are your greatest football achievements?

A: I was part of the CNMI U15 National Team that made history for winning its first international tournament. I was a starter when we played against Macau in Taipei for the EAFF U15 Youth Tournament. I was really sick when I was in the locker room, I was so close to not playing, but that game was really important so I played and our defense held Macau to just one goal and gave the CNMI the historic 2-1 win.

This year I made it on the CNMI Men's National Team that competed in the EAFF East Asian Cup Qualifier RD1 in Guam. I had the best experience in my football career because I had the chanced to be coached by an “S” licensed and a former Bundesliga coach (Coach Suzuki). I played in both games against the national teams of Guam and Macau and the tournament was a high level competition and very physical and I enjoyed it so much.

Q: What other message can you share with the football community?

A: Continue to play, train every day, work harder, and always do your best.

“Enrico is a very hard working player. He makes sure he will make those extra time to work on his weak points and make it his strong points. He always emphasized to the squad the importance of teamwork and making everyone involve in the game. He stands as our general during the games and makes sure that the game plan will be implemented. Just like his partner in the center defender position (Kennedy Izuka), he will make sure that the attacking forwards of the other squad will not infiltrate the sacred box. He shares some jokes to make everyone feel comfortable, especially during big games”.-Enrico's coach Norman Del Rosario.

“He has good potential. He is aggressive on defense and has a lot of techniques and speed.” - U15 CNMI National Guest Coach Akira Yamanaka of Ehime Japan FC

****

Name: Chloe Hazel Anne Salvosa
Age Group: U15
Team: Tan Holdings FC
Position: Defensive Midfield
Jersey No.: #8
Years of Playing Experience: 1 year
Village: Chalan Kanoa
School: Hopwood Junior High School
Grade: 7
Favorite Player or Team: David Beckham

Q: How did you become interested in football?

A: It all started in elementary where I used to join all the sports, including soccer. I really enjoyed soccer and had a lot of fun playing the sport. It became my top favorite sport because I'm good at it. Soon, I and my siblings decided to join a football club.

Q: Why do you like to play football?

A: Playing football is amazing. You need teamwork in order to win or protect your goal. I like playing football because it is fun and enjoyable and after each game, you learn an important lesson

Q: What are your greatest football achievements?

A: I made it to the national youth team (U13). It is an amazing feeling that I was chosen to represent our island. We all tried our best during the competition and no one gave up. We all contributed to the team, showed teamwork, and learned a lot of lessons.

Q: What other message can you share with the football community?

A: Never give up, never lose hope, and always try your best. Cooperate with your team always and remember to have fun. Enjoy playing soccer!

“Chloe's performance every game is excellent. She plays midfield and she covers most of the field. She works really, really hard. She has improved a lot after she got selected to the U13 National Team. Her bond with her teammates improved a lot. She learned to develop teamwork and camaraderie among her teammates. Now she takes every game seriously, unlike before when she was just standing and laughing. Above all, she plays graciously and have fun. Chloe and her teammates at the Tan Holdings girls U15 team are always encouraged to practice fair play.-Chloe's coach Christy Villaflor.