Local kickers get a leg up from NMFA

The month of February had come and gone, and for the youngest soccer enthusiasts, so did their opportunity to compete in the 2005 edition of the Commonwealth Youth Soccer Organization, but thanks to a handful of parents and supporters, the future football stars have something to look forward to.

Unfortunately, when former CYSO president Joe Crone left the island, he failed to pass the torch, so local parent Peter Coleman has spent the better part of the past five months searching for the best way to provide the kids with a chance for corner kicks.

According to Coleman, the plan that appears to best solve the soccer shortage is scrapping the CYSO in favor of a new organization and starting from scratch, and aligning with governing bodies that will be able to help the new group along the way.

Coleman said that he has recently received a lot of assistance from the Guam Football Association, and will try to model Saipan’s new soccer authority in the image of the GFA.

The process of forming the new organization is in its early stages, but six volunteers have already agreed to sit on the board of directors of the Northern Marianas Football Association, and a sixth is still mulling it over.

While the directors have created the preliminary 25-page articles of incorporation they still have to complete the remainder of the prerequisites before the first feet take the field.

Coleman promised that more details will be available to the public as soon as possible, and added that the NMFA will have a meeting in May to get parents and volunteers together for coaching and referee assignments. Once all of the positions are filled, the NMFA will try to schedule a trip to Guam for all of the officials to receive their certification from FIFA.

Time is of the essence, as Coleman is shooting to have most of the process finalized before school lets out for the summer break, and before families start taking their vacations.

“We are aiming four first games to take place when school resumes in the first week in September, so we have a lot to do before the people who are likely to help us out go off-island for vacation,” said Coleman.

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