In March 2024 history was made as the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation hosted their first ever national team training camp in Springdale, Arkansas (USA).
The federation invited 6 talented Marshallese players who all reside in the US to join us for 3 days for futsal coaching and familarisation.
Why Springdale?
Springdale, AR has the largest population of Marshallese people outside of the islands, with approximately 15,000 people residing there. With several of the squad living there or nearby, it made sense for us to use the city as a base for the training camp.
With such an incredible community in Springdale it also provided the federation an opportunity to build partnerships and links with other organisations.
Women’s Futsal Team
We are incredibly lucky to have a talented group of Marshallese players, and with the number we have at this time we are going to focus on futsal.
Thanks to all our incredible sponsors and donors, we were able to cover the expenses of out-of-town players to fly them in for the training camp.
Learn more about our women’s futsal squad here.
Following two intense practice sessions with Technical Director Lloyd Owers on Thursday and Friday, the camp was rounded off with an informal scrimmage against a local recreational league side.
Sporting director Matt Webb had this to say, “This week exceeded all expectations. The individual quality of the players is one thing, but their personality is what is going to make this team special. Considering the age of the players, and that they’re meeting each other for the first time, this camp can be considered a huge success.
Technical Director Lloyd Owers added, “We are more confident than ever about the Marshall Islands being able to compete in their first ever international match this year. Our attention will now turn to finding opposition for a women’s futsal international, and putting a coaching structure in place to support the team for future camps.”
The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation will hopefully be able to reveal more details of an international fixture in the coming weeks.
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