Courtesy: Marianas Variety


Saipan athletes introduced to Futsal

Wednesday December 26, 2007

By Jude Lizama

Variety News Staff

THE GUAM Football Association Bud Light Women’s Holiday Cup Friendly, held at the Guam Sports Complex in Harmon on Dec. 15, was filled with indoor and outdoor soccer fun for local players and a visiting team from Saipan. In particular, the GFA Women’s League was successful in fulfilling their goal to introduce Futsal to women athletes visiting from Saipan.

Cheri Stewart, Deputy Chairperson of Women’s Football, talked about planning the event.

“Our event was planned by the GFA Women’s Committee and the newly created Women’s League Subcommittee. We had this event penciled in with the Saipan women’s team last September when our Guam women’s team traveled to Saipan to play a weekend of friendly matches,” explained Stewart.

“This event is our turn to host and they are coming here. Our goal is to set up mini tournaments often in which we take turns visiting and participating,” added Stewart.

The holiday cup friendly is one of a few steps the GFA Women’s Committee has taken to introduce Futsal to Saipan.

“The event will show to the Saipan team how Futsal is played. We (GFA) recently donated two Futsal balls to introduce the sport to them and help them foster a different type of league,” said Stewart.

Increasing Futsal popularity in Saipan will hopefully lessen the problems athletes have when competing for field use.

“This was brought up when they mentioned that they, along with youth and men’s teams, have to fight for field rights,” stated Stewart. “I advised them to go into Futsal during one season. This takes the pressure off of the field rights,” she added.

The Holiday Cup Friendly Futsal action was the first time women players from Saipan have ever tried the sport.

“They have practiced only a couple times and have read the rules online,” said Stewart.

The Saipan team was given a first round “bye” in order for them to watch and understand Futsal technique and strategy. Stewart also stated that it was her mission to ensure the local women’s league members got an opportunity to get to know the members of the Saipan team.

“This is the first Bud Light Women’s Holiday Cup Friendly on Guam or anywhere that I know of,” said Stewart, adding that she hopes the friendly tournaments continue. “We are hoping to make this an annual event. One goal is to create more mini tournaments that would be above and beyond the women’s league to create excitement and stronger growth.”

A holiday fiesta was held at the conclusion of the Futsal friendly. The GFA Training Facility upper balcony was filled with food, holiday decorations and spirit. The Saipan team also received Christmas stockings filled with stocking stuffers from each of the nine Guam teams.





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com