NMIFA concludes ‘B’ diploma coaching course

The Northern Mariana Islands Football Association concluded its “B” Diploma Coaching Course that was held from from last Jan. 15 to 20 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

NMI’S Russelle Zapanta, Martin Jambor, Ronnel Ocanada, and Christopher Aninzo, along with Guam’s Jude Bischoff and Ralph Awa. Last Saturday, they were recognized during an appreciation and closing ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.

The course was divided into four modules and were segmented throughout about six months. The first module was held last July 6 to 11.

The course was under the Asian Football Confederation Coaching Convention, one program under AFC. It aims to improve the level of coaching through progressive education and practical experience. Through the program, Member Associations develop better players, improve the quality of teams, and raise the standard of football throughout Asia.

An MA, like NMIFA, can only offer this type of course if it meets stringent criteria under the Asian Football Confederation Coaching Convention rules and regulations, like having accredited Coach Education Tutors and in this case, NMIFA coaches Michiteru Mita, Angie Ito, and Jersh Angeles.

Mita said it’s the first time for NMIFA to offer it and that it’s “a critical first step toward the NMIFA’s goal of raising the standard of coaching on the island. I encourage the coaches to pass on their knowledge to their players and their fellow coaches. This program involves investment and return. We invest on coaches that have the passion and dedication to bring NMI football to the next level, and as a return, we hope to see coaches continue their commitment to the program and help develop better players and better teams.”

NMIFA president Jerry Tan congratulated the seven coaches on completing the course that takes a lot of hard work and commitment. “This course supports the NMIFA’s efforts in expanding our coaching capacity and improving our coaching level to meet the growing needs of NMI football. When we started the program, one of our challenges was to recruit players. Today, we have a lot of players and as the program continues to grow, we really need qualified and knowledgeable coaches to guide our players,” he said.

He then thanked the Asian Football Confederation, “for the approval and endorsement of the NMIFA ‘B’ Diploma Coaching Course as it gives us the opportunity and the tools to continue to educate our coaches.”

During the last module of the course, a guest speaker, Hide Takahashi, the head coach of the Bhutan Football Association’s U20 national team, and a Japanese Football Association dispatched coach and pro license holder, visited Saipan from last Jan. 11 to 18.