Saipan Soccer School After School Program Resumes with Strong Turnout, Supporting Community Recovery

As our community continues to recover from the impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the Tan Siu Lin Foundation (TSLF) and Saipan Soccer School (SSS), in partnership with the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association (NMIFA), has officially resumed its After School Program, welcoming back students and families with an encouraging and energetic first week.

The free youth program reopened on Monday, April 27, 2026, as part of the organizations’ commitment and ongoing efforts to create safe and supportive spaces where kids can play, learn, and stay active, especially during this difficult time of recovery. With many schools closed and programs postponed, the response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive, with both returning participants and new families joining the program.

Attendance during the first two days of the program reflected this great need, with over 40 new participants joining and serving nearly 80 participants each day.

Participants shared that returning to the After School Program has brought a sense of joy during a difficult time. “It lights us up with joy... there’s no power at home, and we’re happy to be back,” shared Faith, 12 years old, and Mary, 11 years old, while others echoed how meaningful it has been to have a space to gather outside of home. “It feels good to be back because we get to exercise and play soccer instead of just staying at home,” said Jomel, 11 years old, and “we get to be social...there’s a lot of people to meet,” added Jacob, 11 years old.

Students also highlighted how the program is helping them build their confidence, stay active, connect with others, and encouraged their peers to join. “It makes us better players and more confident,” said Venice, 10 years old, and Mary added that “you’ll make a lot of friends and it will be fun.”

Designed for children ages 6 to 12, the After School Program offers a fun and enriching environment where kids can learn, play, and grow together through a wide range of activities. With a focus on sports, including soccer, badminton, basketball, and volleyball, alongside arts and homework completion, the program supports both physical and academic development.

The TSL Sports Complex in Gualo Rai came alive with activity, as kids filled every corner with energy, laughter, and a sense of hope and normalcy. “Our hearts remain with every family navigating this challenging time,” said Merlie Tolentino, TSLF Executive Director and SSS After School Program Program Director. “Seeing the smiles, the activity, and the excitement back at the TSL Sports Complex reminds us how important these spaces and programs are for our children and for our community.”

Play Smart, Live Strong Initiative

In addition to sports and physical activity, the After School Program delivers meaningful life skills education through the Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association. As the NMIFA recovers from the impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku in the NMI Soccer Training Center, this special youth program has resumed in partnership with the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and Saipan Soccer School After School Program. Play Smart, Live Strong empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field, using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce risk factors related to underage drinking and marijuana use.

Every week, coaches share practical lessons, engage in group discussions, and train an important soccer skill.

This week’s lesson focused on understanding consequences, using the soccer skill shot selection to help students think critically when making decisions. By integrating sports and life lessons, the program instills skills and lifestyle choices that extend beyond the pitch.

Free Program for Kids ages 6 to 12

The After School Program remains free and open to all children ages 6 to 12, running Monday through Friday, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (except local and federal holidays) at the TSL Sports Complex in Gualo Rai. For more information, please contact Christy Villaflor at (670) 789-9192 or christy_villaflor@saipansoccerschool.org.

As recovery efforts continue, we encourage families and community members to share information about the program and invite others to participate, and help us ensure more children can benefit from an enriching program as they navigate through this challenging time. Together, we can continue to create opportunities for our youth to stay active and healthy!