The Northern Mariana Islands Football Association hosted the Basic Referee Course Spring 2024 and Grassroots Kids Leader Course at the NMI Soccer Training Center as part of its continued efforts to build local capacity in officiating and coaching.
The Basic Referee Course Spring 2024 took place last Jan. 26 and 27 with 27 individuals completing the workshop that offered both theoretical and practical sessions to participants. The course was very timely as the NMIFA will be kicking off three various leagues for the spring season—the TakeCare Youth Soccer League, the Dove Women’s Spring League, and the Marianas Soccer League.
Six NMIFA member clubs were represented at the workshop, which was conducted by NMIFA referees Ruselle Zapanta, Davy Laxa, and Mae Ito. Kanoa FC was represented by Aiden Wesley, Akoni Matsumoto, David Xing, Eamon Tang, Ed Calvo, and Rooney Gil, while Latte FC had Ann Than, Emerson Brillo, Jonne Navarro, Julio Monserat, Juvie Taitano, Rafael De Belen, and Terell Hix. Paire sent Christian Newman, Euanne Claveria, Julia Dalusung, Kyle Kramer, Mariana Tababa, Martha Culp, and William Sosa. Matansa had a pair in Arif Khan and Prince Espiritu, while MP United also sent two representatives—Irene Park and Megan Elayda—and Ho Jin Woo attended for Shirley’s. Completing the course participants list were Amzad Khan of Bangladesh FC and Jose Canoy of Saipan Southern High School. Upon completion of the course, all participants received certificates.
The Grassroots Kids Leader Course also drew more than 20 participants. This is part of the NMIFA’s grassroots program that is tailored for children in the U6 age group. It is a four-part course and had its kickoff last Feb. 3 with the first session focused on introduction to soccer, protection of the children, application of basic first aid and nutrition, and small sides games and preparations.
The second part of the course is scheduled this Friday, Feb. 9, with participants learning and practicing drills for U6 Grassroots Festival. The festival type of event in soccer focuses mainly on basic skills in the sport and making drills more fun for young players to enjoy. The third leg is slated for Feb. 17, while the date of the course’s last session will be announced later.
NMIFA interim technical director Konomi Suzuki said referees and coaches play critical roles in the continued development of NMI soccer so courses like these are important to equip them with a great deal of knowledge and technical expertise in refereeing and coaching. She added that growing the pool of referees and coaches will help the NMIFA run its various programs and develop and train more players.
NMIFA general secretary Ross Zapanta said they will continue to train referees and coaches to open career pathways and other opportunities for these individuals. In the past, referees from the NMI officiated games in off-island tournaments. Some referees and coaches have also been included in the interscholastic program that the CNMI Public School System’s Athletic Department runs in partnership with the NMIFA.