Official Site of MISF

This is a personal account of Lloyd Owers, Technical Director of the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, from his trip to Majuro, Kwajalein, and Ebeye in February 2025.

Last weekend marked a significant milestone for the soccer community in the Marshall Islands as we took a team of players from Majuro to Kwajalein for the first time. These athletes had already represented the RMI at the 2024 summer futsal tournament (Outrigger Challenge Cup) against Kiribati and FSM, but this trip was about something even bigger: building a bridge between the two largest islands in RMI and uniting them under the banner of the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation (MISF).

The event was filled with games of futsal and outdoor 9v9 soccer, with the scores reflecting the healthy competition between both islands:

•    Futsal: Majuro 7 - 4 Kwajalein

•    9v9: Majuro 2 - 2 Kwajalein Spartans (High School)

However, it’s important to emphasise that these scores were never the primary focus. The real goal of this trip was to foster unity between the islands, provide an opportunity for potential RMI players to showcase their skills, and most importantly, create connections that would formalise our partnership under MISF. This was also a chance for everyone to meet with MISF Vice President, Divine Waiti, ensuring each player and coach felt a deeper connection to the soccer community and the work we’re doing across the islands.

Expanding the Reach of Soccer to Ebeye

One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was our session for kids on Ebeye, where 35 children gathered to engage with soccer and learn new skills. These sessions will now continue every Saturday at the Jabro Complex on Ebeye, ensuring that soccer development reaches more young players in the region. This marks a great step forward in ensuring that soccer is accessible to all children across the islands, and it will be exciting to see the growth of the sport in this community – a community in which requires as much support as possible.

Ebeye is one of the most densely populated places on earth, home to 18000 people in less than 1 squared mile. You can understand that this causes logistical, homing issues, unfortunately leaving cramped space and children without the basics that many of us take for granted (bedding, clothing, home comforts).

Ebeye has limited access to clean water and general sanitation, with health services proving to be a significant concern. Despite these challenges, the community is known for its resilience and tight-knit nature, which was clearly evident with smiley, welcoming communities.

It was a pleasure to be in Ebeye and I will go again on my next RMI venture, however, next time I will be armed with as many goods as I can physically take out in my excess baggage!

Coaching Development: A First for RMI

Another landmark achievement during the trip was the delivery of accredited OFC Coach Education courses to coaches from both Majuro and Kwajalein. For me, this was a personal highlight as it’s crucial to equip our coaches with the tools and knowledge they need to develop not just players, but a sustainable soccer culture in the RMI. We are investing in long-term growth, and empowering our coaches is a key part of that vision.

A Successful Return to Majuro

Back on Majuro, the momentum continued. I had the opportunity to meet with Stacy Peralta from MALGOV, whose unwavering support for MISF has been invaluable. Together, we finalised plans for a new community to engage with soccer: the TUR area will now host sessions every Friday from 3:30-5:00 PM for both kids and adults. This addition expands our reach into new areas, joining Delap, Rita/Uliga, Rairok, and monthly sessions in Laura (on the last Saturday of every month). The more we can bring people together through soccer, the more our communities grow stronger.

I also had the chance to continue discussions with Terry Sasser (Marshall Islands National Olympic Committee) to demonstrate the progress MISF is making, as well as meet with Dr. Brian Jones and Andrew Heseltine, British ambassadors living in Fiji. Their support of our efforts is greatly appreciated, and it was a pleasure to share the vision of what we’re achieving through soccer in the Marshall Islands.

It was also an opportunity for me to spend time with our resident coach, Bangao Bakabane. Bangao is on a 3 month placement, spending time in Majuro away from his native Kiribati where he the captain of their national soccer team. Bangao and his associate Bita have been delivering soccer sessions up and down Majuro – and we’re delighted with the impact he’s had – especially implementing new after school clubs at SDA.

Collaboration with Schools and Special Olympics

In addition to meetings and planning, I attended our weekly sessions in SDA and school sessions at Co-op and Rairok. These school-based programs are a vital part of our grassroots efforts, and we are planning to expand into more PSS schools soon, ensuring that the sport is introduced to as many young people as possible.

One of the most exciting developments is our official partnership with Special Olympics Marshall Islands (SOMI). Soccer is now listed as an official sport of theirs, and we are collaborating to run four sessions per year with their athletes. This partnership is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, and we look forward to working alongside SOMI to provide opportunities for all athletes in the RMI.

A Special Thank You to the Community

None of this would be possible without the support of the wider community. A huge shout out goes to Yasta from Power FM for his continued commitment to supporting MISF and promoting the sport. His efforts help us reach more people and spread the word about soccer in the RMI.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we are gearing up for some exciting months ahead. The momentum we’ve built on both Majuro and Kwajalein is just the beginning, and we are determined to continue our work in growing the sport, building connections, and developing the next generation of soccer players and coaches.

Soccer is more than just a game; it’s a tool for building unity, fostering community spirit, and empowering young people across the Marshall Islands. Our journey is just getting started, and I’m excited for what’s to come.