By Robert Balajadia

United Airlines is no stranger to ascending to new heights which is what made their newly invested partnership with the Guam National Football, headquarters of football on Guam and the worlds most popular sport, an easy decision.

Both parties unveiled a new logo along with new banners around the GFA headquarters sporting United’s logos.

Plenty of GFA members, from coaches to future stars in the game gathered at the GFA field as President Richard Lai openly thanked the United for their involvement.

“We are honored to have such a distinguished corporate partner as United Airlines support the Guam Football Association,” said Lai.

Lai also stated that Guam has become top football spot in the Micronesian Islands and United’s partnership with the program will only help it grow.

With national level players like Matao’s captain Jason Cundliff and Women’s National team SImie Wilter on deck, the youth were treated to seeing the type of top level talent they too can aspire to be like.

Sam Shinohara, United’s managing director of Business Development Asia/Pacific, brought up points during his speech in what some of the big factors were in wanting to support GFA. Shinohara brought up that having the best facility is one thing, but surrounding the players with top level coaching has made all the difference.

“The future of GFA lies in the development of our youth and United is thrilled to be sponsoring the United Airlines GFA National Academy. United has a strong commitment to further growth of our sports tourism industry. GFA’s success with both the mend and women’s national team have helped bolster the industry with the participation of teams from China and other neighboring nations in a recent international tournament hosted by Guam.”

GFA President Richard Lai and United’s Sam Shinohara unveil the new logo. (photo by Robert Balajadia)