PRESS RELEASE – Over 300 women from 16 teams took to the pitch in opening weekend of the Docomo Pacific GFA Soccer Moms League Spring Season at the Guam Football Association National Training Center.

Of the 16 teams, four are new to this season, including the Docomoms, made up of players from Docomo Pacific.

“I was excited to join when Docomo Pacific put in a team for this league,” said Vanesalyn Villaverde, who works in the company’s marketing department.“This recreational league is a great outlet particularly for less experienced players or those who just want to be involved with a team, where you can have fun and really enjoy the game, without feeling intimidated. Our first match was so much fun getting back on the field again, cheering on all of our teammates, and representing our company, Docomo Pacific. We also have great coaches who’ve prepared us for our first match, while continuing to motivate us to improve for the rest of our matches this season.

“On a personal level, I also wanted to get back in the sport because my son currently plays in the (Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber) Youth League for the Sidekick SC. I support him during his games, and with this league, I’m able to play the same sport and he can watch me play, too. It’s another activity that we can do together,” Villaverde added.

Quality Momsters’ Joanne Gogue and Team Ifit’s Kelley Barnhart battle for possession of the ball during an opening week match of the Docomo Pacific GFA Soccer Moms League Sunday at the Guam Football Association National Training Center.

Other new teams in the league are the Tsunami Crash, Tsunami Thunder, and Wings Momdeshiko White. Returning teams are the Islander Moms, Team United, Sidekick SC Sirenas, Crush Hers, Wings Momdeshiko Red, Lady Bombers, Bank of Guam Team Ifit, Quality Momsters, Queen Cobras, Tumon Pika Moms, Femme Fatale and the Supersonics.

The 16 teams are divided evenly into two pools – Pool TV/Internet and Pool Mobile – and play round-robin matches within their respective pools. Matches are played on Sundays and continue through to June 7 with one break for Mother’s Day.

“I’m pleased to see the continuous growth of this league since we first started in the fall of 2013 – we’ve since doubled the number of teams,” said Grace Martinez, GFA Women’s Administrator. “Thanks in great part to a generous financial grant from FIFA for women’s football development in Guam, we are able to continue putting on this recreational league for our players twice a year. The creation of the league is a success story for our women’s program and we plan to continue providing more opportunities for women and girls to reap the benefits of playing the sport.”

A full schedule of matches is available online at http://www.guamfa.com/all-leagues-womens-recreational-results

PHOTO GALLERY:

Femme Fatale and the Supersonics play during an opening week match of the Docomo Pacific GFA Soccer Moms League Sunday at the Guam Football Association National Training Center.

Crush Hers and Tsunami Thunder play during an opening week match of the Docomo Pacific GFA Soccer Moms League Sunday at the Guam Football Association National Training Center.

The Lady Bombers and the Wings Momdeshiko Red play during an opening week match of the Docomo Pacific GFA Soccer Moms League Sunday at the Guam Football Association National Training Center.

The Tumon Pika Moms and the Queen Cobras play during an opening week match of the Docomo Pacific GFA Soccer Moms League Sunday at the Guam Football Association National Training Center.

The Islander Moms’ Sally Rama moves to advance the ball facing defensive pressure from Tsunami Crash during an opening week match of the Docomo Pacific GFA Soccer Moms League Sunday at the Guam Football Association National Training Center.