The Northern Mariana Islands Men's/U-18 National Team held a training camp at J-Village in Fukushima and at Makuhari, Chiba for seven days from Wednesday, 19 July to Tuesday, 25 July. During the camp, the team played training matches against Futaba Mirai Gakuen High School, JFA Academy Fukushima EAST U-15, Iwaki Furukawa FC, and Shukutoku University.

The results of the training matches are as follows:

Coach and Players' Comments

MITA Michiteru, Head Coach and Technical Director
We were able to hold a training camp for the Northern Mariana Islands Men's/U-18 National Team from 19 July to 25 July in J-Village and Makuhari. The purpose of the training camp was to get the team ready for the Marianas Cup match against Guam in August and the AFC competition the following year. Because this team is the highest categorised team in the Northern Mariana Islands, the team can only play intra-team games in the island, so these training matches served as a very important opportunity for us to assess our current situation and to see where we stand in relation to the rest of the world. J-Village provided us with an environment where we could focus solely on playing football, including their high quality natural grass pitch—something we cannot find in the Northern Marianas—and top-notch meals, enabling us to play three training matches in a fantastic environment. We lost badly to a high school team in the first match because we were unable to keep up with their quick and collective football, but we fought hard in every game after that and gained valuable experience, which led to the growth of the team. Off the pitch, the players and coaches attended a lecture given by Coach YOSHIDA Yasushi, Chief of JFA Academy Fukushima EAST, on the philosophy and concept of the academy, where they actively engaged in discussions and learned what is important in the development age. The players were also given the opportunity to see a J2 match between Mito HollyHock and Omiya Ardija, which was an extremely stimulating experience for them as they were able to watch a high-level professional match, which is something they normally cannot see in the Northern Marianas. I would like to take this opportunity to thank JFA for this wonderful experience and opportunity, and the very kind people at J-Village, Hotel Green Tower Makuhari, and the teams involved in the training matches.

Christopher Dela Rosa ANINZO, Team captain
It was an honour to have the opportunity to participate in a training camp at a world-class facility such as the J-Village National Training Centre in Fukushima. During our time there as a national team, our experience as a whole could not be compared to any other. The football environment was immaculate, the facility was beautiful and top-tier, and the food was very delicious. With the support of JFA and every single staff whom we had come across during our time there, we as players were able to focus on team building and individual development. It was an eye-opener for us as players as we had not only been exposed to the high level of football on the pitch but also understood the values required to be able to contribute to society. On behalf of the NMI U18/Men’s National team, thank you to Japan Football Association and the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association for your continuous support in the development of the players and our football on the island of Saipan.

Ronnel Sentinellar OCANADA
First of all, we would like to thank JFA for their wonderful support to the players and coaching staff of NMI. Us players were able to experience a different point of view for football. The environment that we were surrounded by was truly amazing. Being able to play against Japanese teams was a great experience. The team was exposed to high level of play and intensity. This is something we don't usually have back home, so I'm sure we won't forget about this experience. J-Village was a wonderful facility and one of the best ones we've been to. We were welcomed and treated very nicely and that didn't stop even until after we left. It is a literal "Eat, Soccer, Sleep" environment.

Accepting teams from AFC Member Associations to hold training camps in Japan

Upon receiving requests to hold training camps in Japan, JFA will make various arrangements, including training-matches, in efforts to support the development of the national teams of the AFC Member Associations.
For more information