Goals, trophies, and cake highlight 10th President's Cup

Over 320 players ranging in age from 8 to 17 competed and celebrated NMI Football Association president Jerry Tan and his twin brother Raymond's birthday during the 10th Annual President's Cup Futsal Tournament at the TSL Sports Complex, held over four days from May 26-29.

The championship matches kicked off on the final day on Friday before everyone gathered to sing 'Happy Birthday' and enjoy cake. MP United claimed the U8 division title, while Matansa finished second and Latte placed third. Meanwhile, Saipan Soccer School 1 won the U10 championship, with Kanoa 1 taking second and Paire finishing third. In the U14 division, Matansa captured the title, followed by Paire 2 in second and Latte 1 in third.

Kanoa 1 also captured the U12 and U17 division crowns. In U12, Latte 1 finished second and Matansa took third. In the U17 division, Kanoa 2 placed second and Paire 2 finished third.

Golden Boot honors went to Koiwachi Castro, Erzaleah Such, and Paloma Blue in the U8 girls division with one goal each, while Ched Asuncion led the U8 boys with 20 goals. In the U10 division, Kira George earned the girls award with five goals, while Francis Cabusora and Kevin Canolo shared the boys honor with five goals apiece. Darshwana Chhetri won the U12 girls Golden Boot with two goals, while Liam Palacios topped the U12 boys with five goals.

In the older divisions, Amica Hornilla, Baylynn Mansfield, and Lovel Spaeth shared the U14 girls Golden Boot award with one goal each, while Lashawn Ada led the U14 boys with 10 goals. Iris Rasa claimed the U17 girls Golden Boot with three goals, and Napu Pangelinan and Izaiah Tenorio shared the U17 boys honor after scoring eight goals each.

After the birthday song, Tan addressed the colorful crowd of players, coaches, and parents.

“I really appreciate all of you for joining, playing, and enjoying. I appreciate all the parents. I did not expect—I know a lot of kids would show up—but I did not expect so many parents to actually show up every day to support your kids. Thank you so much,” he said.

He added that this year's tournament was different from previous ones because organizers had no choice but to play indoors at the complex due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. He also admitted he was unsure if players knew how to play futsal, which is different from outdoor football.

But, he said, “they surprised me. They did not need to learn. They just played and showed all of us that they can play both outdoor and indoor, so I know that the future of NMIFA is really, really bright. I just hope all of you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the week,” he said.