Soccer

TYPHOONS FC CROWNED CHAMPS OF U12 DIVISION

by
GSPN
November 28, 2021

PRESS RELEASE – The Tumon Typhoons FC were crowned champions of the U12 Division of the first-ever Guam Football Association Jingle Bell Tournament defeating the Guam Shipyard Wolverines 9-3 Saturday at the GFA National Training Center.

The new tournament, a youth development supported in large part by Japan Football Association, spans four weekends and features four age groups – U6, U8, U10, and U12. For many players, the Jingle Bell Tournament featured the first youth matches back on the pitch since the COVID19 pandemic canceled the Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth League halfway through the Spring 2020 season.

“It was nerve-wracking and exciting to be back on the field again after so long – I liked all of it,” said Peter Roy Barcinas, one of 11 players on Tumon’s U12 roster. “Soccer has just been something I’ve done that’s pretty fun for me and enjoyable. Plus, I like running.”

The Guam Shipyard Wolverines U12 team poses with the second-place trophy of the Guam Football Association Jingle Bell Tournament U12 division during an awards presentation after the championship match at the Guam Football Association National Training Center. Tumon Typhoons FC defeated the Wolverines 9-3. The tournament, supported by Japan Football Association, features four age divisions – U6, U8, U10, and U12 – over four weekends before Christmas. The U12 division played Saturday, with the U6 and U8 divisions playing Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. The U10 division will compete Dec. 18. In the photo are, standing from left to right: Coach Bryan Bates, Coach Jessica Perez-Jackson, Chloe Butenhof, Alexander Bates, Blake Sullivan, Kayden Johnson, Ella’ani Balajadia, and Kiersten Cruz. Kneeling in the front row, from left to right, are: Coach Ryan Jackson, Ronin Jolley, Landon Olson, Ricardo “Adrian” Ortega, Marion Finney, Julia Perez-Jackson, Gabriella Edwards, and Cooper Flood. (courtesy photo)

Teammate Rachel San Agustin shared Barcinas’ excitement to be back on the pitch after close to three-and-a-half seasons without youth league matches. “It felt good to be back because we can run, shoot, and win with our teammates again.”

Players on Tumon’s squad quickly overcame any instances of first-match jitters, outscoring opponents 25-0 in three matches in the tournament’s group stage before heading into the championship match. Each match was played in an 8-a-side format on a smaller-sized pitch, with each match 30 minutes each in duration.

Like Tumon, the Wolverines were undefeated in the tournament’s group stage, finishing with eight in the goals-scored column and allowing only two. The other teams competing in the U12 division were Community First/Days Inn Dededo Soccer Club Blue and Gold teams, NBG/MWR North, Sidekick SC, Southern Heat, and the Wings FC.

A handful of youth referees also were appointed for matches for the first time since the Robbie Webber league in 2020.

The tournament continues Dec. 4 with teams in the U6 and U8 divisions. The youngest age divisions will play two weekends, concluding on Dec. 11. The final age division, U10, will play Dec. 18.