NMIFA hosts 20th-anniversary celebration kick-off

The Northern Mariana Islands Football Association hosted its 20th year anniversary celebration kick-off last Saturday at a colorful NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Despite the overcast and wet weather, the six clubs—Kanoa FC, MP United FC, Paire FC, Latte FC, Shirley’s FC, and Matansa FC—provided a stark contrast as they wore their bright uniforms and gathered for an afternoon of celebration and appreciation.

NMIFA’s executive committee members present included president Jerry Tan, vice president Vickie Izuka, members Alex Sablan, Catherine Attao-Toves, NMIFA deputy general secretary Merlie Tolentino, general secretary Ross Zapanta, technical director Konomi Suzuki, and treasurer Elna Curate.

After Tan, Zapanta, and Izuka’s remarks, Tan had club officials line up in front to be awarded with the Club Assistance Initiative. Tan said through the initiative, each club will receive $5,000, and will have more storage space to store their equipment—which was met with applause.

Tan, who’s been the president for 20 years said, “There’s so much that we have achieved in the past 20 years. 2005 was like just yesterday when we first started NMIFA… and here we are, in 2025… I feel very blessed because what we are able to accomplish is truly amazing and is truly teamwork… I always know that nothing could have been accomplished if not because of all of us—everyone in this venue, plus many more.”

He also thanked each stakeholder including international partners from the East Asia Football Federation, Asian Football Confederation, the CNMI Public School System’s Athletics Program, NMIFA’s staff, coaches, referees, its individual clubs and players; and the government through the Department of Public Lands.

For Izuka’s part, she said, “It’s amazing what we’ve come to and I think we have to thank our president Jerry Tan.”

Zapanta then provided the calendar of events which include a Women’s Festival on April 5 in partnership with the Women’s Affairs Office; Youth Festival on June 27 in partnership with the Northern Marianas College; Anniversary Reception on July 18; Man’amko Festival on Sept. 20 in partnership with the Office on Aging; and Educators’ Festival on Dec. 20 in partnership with CNMI PSS.

At the end of the celebration, PSS Athletics Director Nick Gross said, “On behalf of the Public School System, as well as my family, we’d like to give you a great, big congratulations on the last 20 years and all your successes. We’re a proud partner of NMIFA and look forward to another fantastic 20 years in keeping kids active in the community, Biba, NMIFA!”