PRESS RELEASE – Morning overcast skies cleared up in time to welcome players to the opening week of the Guam Football Association and The Score’s “Just Kick It” All-Girls League Saturday at the GFA National Training Center.

“It feels so different coming back after not having played soccer all summer, but I enjoyed it a lot,” said Mia Rose Lizama, who played Saturday in the U10 division of the All-Girls League. “I like the all-girls league because you get to meet so many new people who play the sport since the teams are mixed (with players from different youth clubs).

“Playing in this league also helps us girls learn skills and practice them more. I look forward to coming back next week,” added the incoming sixth grader at Oceanview Middle School.

The All-Girls League, supported in large part by FIFA Women’s Football Development grant funds, opened with play in the U8, U10, and U12 age divisions. The league continues every Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. through to Sept. 6 before the Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth Soccer League.

Girls play in the U10 division of the Guam Football Association & The Score’s “Just Kick It” All-Girls League at the GFA National Training Center Saturday. (courtesy photo)

“The league is a more relaxed environment for the girls, but can still be competitive,” said six-year coach Jean Arroyo. “Compared to playing in the youth league, the girls feel more at ease in the All-Girls League and just have a lot of fun playing the sport. “As youth players get older, boys tend to become stronger and faster than the girls, and when playing with them on the same team, some girls will get frustrated trying to get more involved in the game. The All-Girls League gives my girls more opportunities to learn and develop, which they enjoy,” added Arroyo, a coach with the Southern Cobras.

The league is open to accepting more players in the three age divisions. Players need only bring their GFA Player ID card to the matches to play, and also have shin guards and cleats. All players will receive a league T-shirt.

The U14 and U17 divisions have been postponed to November to take place after the conclusion of the Robbie Webber Youth Soccer League.

For more information about the league or the registration process, call the GFA Main Office at 637-4321.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Girls play in the U12 division of the Guam Football Association & The Score’s “Just Kick It” All-Girls League at the GFA National Training Center Saturday. (courtesy photo)

Girls play in the U8 division of the Guam Football Association & The Score’s “Just Kick It” All-Girls League at the GFA National Training Center Saturday. (courtesy photo)

Girls play in the U10 division of the Guam Football Association & The Score’s “Just Kick It” All-Girls League at the GFA National Training Center Saturday. (courtesy photo)

Mia Rose Lizama, in red vest, attempts to pass the ball during an opening week match of the U10 division of the Guam Football Association & The Score’s “Just Kick It” All-Girls League at the GFA National Training Center Saturday. (courtesy photo)