Dozens join NMIFA 20th Anniversary Youth Festival celebration

In celebration of two decades of commitment to the community through sport, the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association hosted a Youth Festival last Saturday afternoon at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville with an overall goal of encouraging athleticism while building community connections.

142 young 4-H Marianas Magalahi campers, from 5 to 19 years old, along with their parents, joined NMIFA for the festival, which included a facility tour, a short ceremony, refreshments, and the main event on the field, where campers participated in several colorful soccer drills. NMIFA players also took part in overseeing and coaching campers through the exercises.

The weekend rains cleared up for the festival, and although the event itself lasted around two to three hours after kickoff, many campers left pink-cheeked and smiling. 10-year-old Harper Taitano and her friend Hailey Harper were campers in the 8-10 division, and they shared with Marianas Press that they not only had fun but also learned a lot. “It was very dedicative, and I loved it. It was very fun.” Said Taitano

Teen duo Leilani and Keoni Ruszala, normally on the national team, this time around participated in the event as campers, and the siblings said that overall the experience was fun. “It was so funny. The games were fun to play, it was fun to hang out, and it was nice to encourage everybody to play.” Said Leilani.

“It was fun, but I really did wish there was a soccer game involved in it, including scrimmage, so maybe that’s something to keep in mind next year.” Keoni added.

Rizza Relucio, an NMIFA athlete and currently on the NMI women’s national team, was among the 14 coaches for the event; she shared her experience with Marianas Press “It was really fun seeing all these kids out here enjoying the games. It gives us hope for the future of football here in the NMI. We’re a small island, and it’s nice seeing all these kids out here.” Relucio said that this was her first time coaching an event like this. “I’ve experienced coaching our U16 youth national team as well as our junior national team, so coaching a more younger age group is really fun, and it’s nice to see them enjoying this and having fun.”

Lyzandra Borja is a parent of one of the campers and shared that she was grateful for events like these, especially in the summertime. “My son has had experience in soccer, but he still loves participating in beginner activities, especially when there’s other people around, his friends are around, it’s a fun sport. I'm just happy seeing all these kids out and about being active and just enjoying themselves. Not just staying at home playing video games, watching TV, and stuff like that. This makes me happy just seeing them out here happy and being with others and socializing.” Borja shared that she would definitely recommend more people join these sports events and applauded NMIFA for holding the most organized sports events on the island.

During the opening ceremony, NMIFA President Jerry Tan welcomed the campers and their families to the celebration and shared a little about NMIFA “…our national players, they go out and compete internationally in many, many, many different countries. And every time we go out and compete, it’s very, very tough because we are always the smallest, with very limited resources, but we can compete.”

“When we go up, we play against much bigger countries, but if you see the way our national players train, they continue to improve.” said Tan. “In the last 20 years, this is very important for us to celebrate because we started with less than 100 players back in 2005. In 2025, we now have over 1,600 players. 1,600 players. And we have (ages) from under 6 to 60…We have boys and girls. We have men and women. And we play year-round. And we provide coaching.”

On what the upcoming years look like for NMIFA, Tan said “…we have a good program. We have a good facility. And we intend to continue to grow.” He shared that there will be four community events NMIFA will be hosting to celebrate their 20th-year milestone; with their Women’s and Youth Festival completed, the upcoming events will focus on the man’amko and educators. “So, part of the approach is we’re reaching out to the community together in celebrating our 20th anniversary.”

Tan also surprised the audience with a special guest, his daughter Tania Tan, who recently bagged two gold medals at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Tania shared some words of encouragement and advice with the campers. “You guys are all young, so you guys still have a lot of years ahead of you.” She said, “…just enjoy the sport if you love it. If you don’t, try to find something that you do love, whether that is soccer or basketball or even an individual sport like being in track and field. Find something you love and keep going with that.”

Overall lead camp counselors for 4-H Marianas Camp Magalahi, Jamie Agbuya and Mary Audrey Bansil, also shared their gratitude for having been a partner of the event. “Today isn’t just about fun and festivities.” Said Agbuya “It’s also honoring two decades of dedication, generosity, and community spirit. For 20 years, the NMIFA has dedicated all their years to our students and our youth to lead, learn, and thrive.”

“To all coaches, volunteers, parents, families, and to all the members who have been part of this journey over the years, thank you. Your time, efforts, and service will make a big impact.” Added Bansil “Because of your help, we’ve built more than just a soccer program. We built a community. A community where the youth can feel seen, heard, and encouraged to build their character on and off the field.”

To the campers, Bansil added, “Explore, play, build connections, and most importantly, enjoy every moment. Here’s to 20 years of community growth and the joy of soccer.”

The event had been a partnership with the Northern Marianas College, NMC CREES, and 4-H Marianas. NMIFA’s 20th anniversary celebration is under the theme: 20 Years of Passion, Purpose, and Promise.

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