AFC, NMIFA to celebrate Women’s Football Day

Participants in last year’s Asian Football Confederation Women’s Football Day pose for a group photo after completing their games and other fun activities at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Contributed Photo)

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has set the stage for honoring women that are involved and have made contributions to the tremendous growth of the sport across the region.

AFC along with its member associations will be holding the AFC Women’s Football Day on March 8, which is also recognized as the International Women’s Day.

“The AFC is the only confederation which dedicates a single day to all women who have contributed their time, knowledge, and expertise towards football which goes a long way in helping the AFC achieve its vision and mission. This is a small gesture to show our gratitude for their enormous contribution towards the success and immense growth of the sport on all levels across Asia,” AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said.

AFC is encouraging its members to conduct activities that highlight women’s football to mark this weekend’s celebration. NMIFA will be holding the “3 v 3 Girls Jamboree” at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville this Sunday to join the rest of the AFC family in observing this important event. The jamboree will have youth and adult divisions: youth (U9, U12, U15, and U18) and adults (19 to 34 and 35 & above). Activities will start at 3pm.

The NMIFA Women’s Committee has invited club members and other groups in the community to participate in the festivities. Committee member Tawny Barcinas of the Matansa Football Club shared her experience from last year’s AFC Women’s Football Day and anticipates fun activities for this weekend’ s event.

“We played small sided games, got our exercise in, and had lots of laughs. It was great fun playing with teammates, seeing friends from other clubs, and seeing new and interested participants giving soccer a try, which is what Women’s Football Day is about—coming together for the love of the sport and promoting active and healthy living,” Barcinas said.

AFC will be holding the AFC Women’s Football Day for the sixth straight year and is part of the group’s trust in implementing various programs that highlight women’s role in the development of the sport and celebrate their milestones.

“NMIFA is pleased to once again take part in the important event that pays tribute to women. We are proud to say that women participation in our program is very active and significant. Out of the nine regular clubs we have, six have women presidents. Our talented and dedicated female players and officials are one of the key factors in the continued growth of soccer in the CNMI,”NMIFA president Jerry Tan said.

“They are not only involved in the sport, but have also made contributions to our community as teachers, doctors, mothers, student leaders, and others, and we would like to thank them for that—for making a difference and helping build a better Commonwealth,” he added. (PR)