Marshall Islands Soccer Federation
The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation is the governing body of soccer in the Marshall Islands. Marshall Islands is not a member of its regional body, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), or FIFA, but is working on becoming a member in the next few years.[1]
OFC | |
---|---|
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Founded | 2020 |
FIFA affiliation | N/A |
OFC affiliation | N/A |
President | Shem Livai |
Website | https://marshallislandssf.com |
History
The federation was founded in 2020 with the purpose of introducing the sport to the nation which previously had no soccer history.[2] In May 2019 construction commenced on the Majuro Track and Field Stadium. Originally built as a venue for the 2023 Micronesian Games, the stadium would also serve as the home of football in the nation.[3]
In December 2022 it was announced that the MISF had hired its first-ever Technical Director, British UEFA-licensed coach Lloyd Owers. Owers would be responsible for creating the soccer structure for the nation, including school and youth development programs up to the national teams.[4][5]
In January 2023 the federation launched a GoFundMe campaign. The money raised would be used to purchase equipment to begin to grow the sport in the nation. As part of the campaign it was also announced that a national league was planned to kick off in 2023 with the national team playing a match by 2024.[6]
References
- "MISF Official website". Marshall Islans Soccer Federation. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
- Rogers, Martin. "Marshall Islands rare nation untouched by soccer's sprawling reach". USA Today. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- Ewart, Richard (27 February 2020). "Small beginnings as Marshall Islands sets out to join the world soccer family". abc.net.au. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- Bjerkevoll, Ole (23 December 2022). "Marshall Islands hire first ever technical director". Football in Oceania. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- Hamilton, Tom. "The Marshall Islands are trying to build a soccer team, but their dreams extend far beyond sport". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- Webb, Matt. "Bringing football to the Marshall Islands". Marshall Islands Soccer Federation. Retrieved 14 January 2023.