U15 team off to China for EAFF champs

The Northern Mariana Islands Football Federation held a sendoff ceremony for its young NMI Women’s U15 National Soccer Team last Monday night at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

The youngsters are competing in the EAFF Fifa Forward Programme EAFF U15 Women’s Championship 2024 in Dalian, China from Aug. 14 to 24.

The NMI team is in Group B with Hong Kong, Guam, Mongolia, and Macau.

Their first match is against Macau on Friday, Aug. 16, with the second game on Sunday, Aug. 18, vs. Mongolia. Their third matchup is against Hong Kong on Tuesday, Aug. 20, with their last round against rival Guam on Friday, Aug. 23.

The team is made up 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 team officials include head of delegation Luam Khen Koo, head coach Chi Ming Tang, assistant coaches Mae Ito and Ronnel Ocanada, team manager Bernadette Horey, assistant team manager Yu Hung Lee, and physiotherapist Hazel Mabasa.

Borlongan, one of the team’s captains, said during the ceremony, “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 for you.”

Gross, co-team captain of the team, for her part, 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 NMI and demonstrate our dedication to soccer. Your encouragement truly means a lot to us!”

Costales, another co-captain is based in Portland, Oregon, and will join the team later.

During the sendoff, the NMI Women’s National Team and the NMI Men’s U20 National Team were also recognized for their stellar performances during the NMIFA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup and the Marianas Football Cup 2024 last July and earlier this month.

Players received $200 and a gift certificate for one night’s stay at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.