NMIFA clinic starts tomorrow

A week following a massive turn out for the new season’s registration, the newly formed Northern Marianas Islands Football (Soccer) Association is hosting a training clinic for players and coaches of the world’s favorite game.

According to NMIFA secretary Peter Coleman, volunteers signed up roughly 200 players during both of the registration sessions at the American Memorial Park, and the group will return to the Garapan pitch for lessons from professional coach Norio Tsukitate.

Tsukitate currently coaches with the Guam Football Association, but has been involved with soccer as a player and a coach for more than 27 years. As a player, Tsukitate ran the range for the Toyota Motor Corporation before obtaining his coaching license that enabled him to lead the champions of the 1991 Konica Cup Tournament (1991), the Prince League Tokai (2003), and a number of top three finishers in between.

Tsukitate’s experience comes as a gift from the GFA, and aside from the training sessions, the NMIFA is also the recipient of 30 brand new game balls as well.

The clinic for the coaches gets started tomorrow morning at the American Memorial Park at 9am and continues through to 12noon. After a break for lunch, the kids take the field with their coaches at 1:30pm until 4:30pm.

The new program is open to children between the ages of four and a half and 16 with interest and enthusiasm as the only prerequisites. In order for the players to participate in the NMIFA, they need only pay a one-time registration fee of $25 per child.

As with any new league, NMIFA need a number of volunteers to help out with almost every aspect, and plans are already underway for a coach/referee clinic to be held next month as well as parents for coaching and officiating. While individuals with a background in the sport are encouraged to pass on their knowledge, training will provided and no experience is necessary.
With the players and coaches in line, NMIFA’s next needs come in the form of equipment and sponsors. So far the fledgling organization received a little help from Athlete’s Foot in Joeten Susupe by offering NMIFA members a discount on the mandatory shin guards.

In addition to the agreement with Joeten, Coleman sounded excited about the response from local businesses about sponsoring individual teams. While he didn’t release any names, Coleman said that businesses are interested in paying $300 to have their logo emblazoned on their team’s uniforms.

For more information about the Northern Marianas Football Association, or to volunteer your assistance, contact Peter Coleman by calling 483-0771.