Federated States of Micronesia national futsal team

Last updated

Federated States of Micronesia
Association FSMFA
Home stadiumPohnpei State Gymnasium
First international
Flag of Kiribati.svg  Kiribati 15–2 Micronesia  Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg
(Majuro, Marshall Islands; 23 July 2024)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Kiribati.svg  Kiribati 15–2 Micronesia  Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg
(Majuro, Marshall Islands; 23 July 2024)

The Federated States of Micronesia national futsal team represents the Federated States of Micronesia in international futsal. It was formed at the end of June 2024 under the auspices of the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association. The team is represented by the Pohnpei Soccer Team, the twice Microgames gold winner. The coach is Vasantha Senarathgoda. It was quickly assembled upon request of RMI federation to join a series of matches between 20 and 26 July 2024 in Majuro. Despite all the difficulties and offensive claims of the inability of the Nation to bring its kits and resources, the team flew to Majuro from Pohnpei on Monday 22 July (the delay was due to Nauru Air technical issues). Financial, technical, and sports resources were provided by Senators, the Pohnpei State Legislature, and many individuals. The jersey kits were quickly designed and produced by Micronesians for the Micronesians.

Contents

The players are: Francisco LAURDIN Zackery HENLY Yop LAURDINE Camriche Joseph PELEP Franky DONRE Jerold Sultan PLUHS Lexter JAMES Lester JAMES Enderson PAUL (goalkeeper) Pendura Barnabas KARITI (captain and acting coach)

Upon landing in Majuro, the head coach was denied entry. Coaching duties were taken by Pendura Kariti who led the team during the tournament. The team was helped remotely by the Pohnpei Soccer Association board members and by the FSM FA president Alex Panuelo, who were able to help through various personal contacts.

History

In 2023, local officials organized the 2023 Micronesian Futsal Cup as the country's first-ever futsal championship. Organizers hoped that introducing the sport to the nation would help reignite its quest for FIFA recognition. Each of the nation's states, Yap, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Chuuk, sent a representative team to the tournament. Futsal was seen as a good introduction to the sport in FSM because it requires fewer players and is played indoors which makes fields flooded by the nation's heavy rains a non-issue. [1] [2]

In June 2024, it was announced that Micronesia would travel to Majuro for a match against the Marshall Islands the following month. It would be the first-ever match for the Micronesia national futsal team and the first-ever match for a Marshall Islands national team in any football code. [3] Shortly thereafter, it was announced that Kiribati would also be participating, forming a triangular tournament called the 2024 Outrigger Challenge Cup. [4]

All-time fixtures and results

23 July 2024 2024 Outrigger Challenge Cup Kiribati  Flag of Kiribati.svg15–2Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg  Micronesia Majuro, Marshall Islands
  • Bitamatang Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg
  • Kaibu Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg
  • Bangao Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg
  • Longona Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg
  • Riuteri Soccerball shade.svg
Stadium: SDA Sports Hall
23 July 2024 2024 Outrigger Challenge Cup Marshall Islands  Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg7–2Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg  Micronesia Majuro, Marshall Islands
Stadium: SDA Sports Hall
24 July 2024 2024 Outrigger Challenge Cup SF Marshall Islands  Flag of the Marshall Islands.svgvFlag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg  Micronesia Majuro, Marshall Islands
Stadium: SDA Sports Hall

All-time record

Key
As of match played 24 July 2024
TeamPldWDLGFGAGDWPCT
Flag of Kiribati.svg  Kiribati 1001215130.00
Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg  Marshall Islands 10012750.00
Total 2002422180.00
Source: Results

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References

  1. Jaynes, Bill. "Yap team takes first place at historic first ever FSM National Futsal Championship". The Kaselehlie Press. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  2. Victor, Tom. "Inside tiny islands clinging to World Cup dreams despite FIFA not recognising them". The Mirror. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  3. Bjerkevoll, Ola. "Marshalls reveal first opponent – second team may join". Football in Oceania. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  4. Ewart, Richard. "Marshall Islands soccer dream a step closer to reality as the country's first ever futsal team prepares to take to the court against FSM and Kiribati". Australian Broadcasting Corportation. Retrieved 15 July 2024.

See also