Federated States of Micronesia Football Association
Encyclopedia
The Federated States of Micronesia Football Association or simply FSMFA is the official governing body of football (soccer)
in the Federated States of Micronesia
, and of the national team
. Today they are an associate member of FIFA
.
has been played in the Federated States of Micronesia informally, and at the school level, for approximately 22 years. However, its popularity beyond this was chiefly among expatriates living in the country. It wasn’t until 1992 that a serious attempt was made to improve the level of organized play in the country, especially among the indigenous populations of the various states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia. This was accomplished by the systematic introduction of the sport among people of all ages. In Pohnpei
, a football league was started culminating with periodic statewide tournaments. In Yap, a single club team was started with matches scheduled with teams from visiting ships. In Kosrae, a league especially for younger children was formed. As a consequence of these efforts, as well as the dedication of a few motivated individuals, football has dramatically increased in popularity in the country.
Despite this increase in popularity, however, there has been limited resources, both human and material, devoted to the further development of the sport. Three years ago, the Federated States of Micronesia
was admitted into the Oceania Division of the International Olympic Committee
. However, under the charter of the National Olympic Committee
, they could not devote any funds to football development until the international governing body for football, namely FIFA
, recognizes the program. Consequently, the football programs that have been developed have come about as a result of modest donations from the private sector in the various states, and more recently, through the assistance of the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association.
There are approximately 150 adult players in the Federated States of Micronesia
; approximately 500 youth players, three volunteer referees and five amateur coaches. None of the players, coaches or referees are professional. There are no professional clubs in the country. There are amateur club teams that play within 3 of the 4 states of the country (Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap). The fourth state, Kosrae, plays football only in an unorganized fashion. Owing to the great distance between the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia
, there has not yet been a competition between clubs from different states. However, the inclusion of football in the 3rd FSM games held in Yap
in July 2001 offered the opportunity for the various state teams to compete against each other and increased awareness and interest in the sport. At present, there are only 5 fields in the country that are of sufficient size and quality that can be used for matches. The two best ones are in Yap
. The FSM is fortunate that a sophisticated sports complex was built in Yap
for the FSM Games. The complex includes a regulation-size football field, complete with covered stands and lights for night games.
, Micronesians have become both keenly interested and proficient in all aspects of the sport. Perhaps because of this, a team from Yap was invited to participate in the Micronesian Games
that were held in the Republic of Palau
in August 1998. Given that it was their first international event, and that the Yap team were mostly young boys ages 14 – 21, they did remarkably well, winning two of their six games played. In attendance at the Micronesian Games were two professional FIFA
referees, sent to Palau
from the Japan Football Association
(they had both recently come from attending and participating in the World Cup ’98 held in France). They were impressed with the team and encouraged the Federated States of Micronesia
to apply for FIFA
accreditation.
to attend the 52nd Ordinary FIFA
Congress in Zurich
, Switzerland
, held 4-5 August 2000. At the congress, FSMFA and FIFA
officials met to discuss the status of the FSMFA's application for membership. If all goes according to plan, the FSMFA will become an associate member of FIFA at the next FIFA Ordinary Congress held in Zurich
in 2004. In the meantime, the FSMFA is concentrating on the further development of football in all four FSM states. It hopes to sponsor a training course for coaches as well as referees in the four states. Building upon the recent enthusiasm generated at the FSM Games, plans are underway to initiate the formation of teams for girls and women in Yap
, Pohnpei
and Chuuk
.
In 2006, the FSMFA was recognized as a possible future associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation
.
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
in the Federated States of Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia or FSM is an independent, sovereign island nation, made up of four states from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. It comprises approximately 607 islands with c...
, and of the national team
Federated States of Micronesia national football team
The Federated States of Micronesia national football team is the national team of the Federated States of Micronesia and is controlled by the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association. The team is an associate member of the OFC but only a partially member of FIFA and therefore cannot...
. Today they are an associate member of FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
.
1992-1996: Early Years
Football (soccer)Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
has been played in the Federated States of Micronesia informally, and at the school level, for approximately 22 years. However, its popularity beyond this was chiefly among expatriates living in the country. It wasn’t until 1992 that a serious attempt was made to improve the level of organized play in the country, especially among the indigenous populations of the various states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia. This was accomplished by the systematic introduction of the sport among people of all ages. In Pohnpei
Pohnpei
Not to be confused with Pompeii, the ancient city destroyed by Vesuvius in AD 79.Pohnpei "upon a stone altar " is the name of one of the four states in the Federated States of Micronesia , situated among the Senyavin Islands which are part of the larger Caroline Islands group...
, a football league was started culminating with periodic statewide tournaments. In Yap, a single club team was started with matches scheduled with teams from visiting ships. In Kosrae, a league especially for younger children was formed. As a consequence of these efforts, as well as the dedication of a few motivated individuals, football has dramatically increased in popularity in the country.
Despite this increase in popularity, however, there has been limited resources, both human and material, devoted to the further development of the sport. Three years ago, the Federated States of Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia or FSM is an independent, sovereign island nation, made up of four states from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. It comprises approximately 607 islands with c...
was admitted into the Oceania Division of the International Olympic Committee
International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee is an international corporation based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin on 23 June 1894 with Demetrios Vikelas as its first president...
. However, under the charter of the National Olympic Committee
National Olympic Committee
National Olympic Committees are the national constituents of the worldwide Olympic movement. Subject to the controls of the International Olympic Committee, they are responsible for organizing their people's participation in the Olympic Games...
, they could not devote any funds to football development until the international governing body for football, namely FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
, recognizes the program. Consequently, the football programs that have been developed have come about as a result of modest donations from the private sector in the various states, and more recently, through the assistance of the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association.
There are approximately 150 adult players in the Federated States of Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia or FSM is an independent, sovereign island nation, made up of four states from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. It comprises approximately 607 islands with c...
; approximately 500 youth players, three volunteer referees and five amateur coaches. None of the players, coaches or referees are professional. There are no professional clubs in the country. There are amateur club teams that play within 3 of the 4 states of the country (Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap). The fourth state, Kosrae, plays football only in an unorganized fashion. Owing to the great distance between the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia or FSM is an independent, sovereign island nation, made up of four states from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. It comprises approximately 607 islands with c...
, there has not yet been a competition between clubs from different states. However, the inclusion of football in the 3rd FSM games held in Yap
Yap
Yap, also known as Wa'ab by locals, is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It is a state of the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap's indigenous cultures and traditions are still strong compared to other neighboring islands. The island of Yap actually consists of four...
in July 2001 offered the opportunity for the various state teams to compete against each other and increased awareness and interest in the sport. At present, there are only 5 fields in the country that are of sufficient size and quality that can be used for matches. The two best ones are in Yap
Yap
Yap, also known as Wa'ab by locals, is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It is a state of the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap's indigenous cultures and traditions are still strong compared to other neighboring islands. The island of Yap actually consists of four...
. The FSM is fortunate that a sophisticated sports complex was built in Yap
Yap
Yap, also known as Wa'ab by locals, is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It is a state of the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap's indigenous cultures and traditions are still strong compared to other neighboring islands. The island of Yap actually consists of four...
for the FSM Games. The complex includes a regulation-size football field, complete with covered stands and lights for night games.
1996-1998: International Recognition
In spite of the many remaining hurdles for the development of football in MicronesiaMicronesia
Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania, comprising thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It is distinct from Melanesia to the south, and Polynesia to the east. The Philippines lie to the west, and Indonesia to the southwest....
, Micronesians have become both keenly interested and proficient in all aspects of the sport. Perhaps because of this, a team from Yap was invited to participate in the Micronesian Games
Micronesian Games
The Micronesian Games are a quadrennial international multi-sport event within the Micronesian region. The Games were first held in 1969 in Saipan . Saipan was also the host of the Games' most recent edition, in 2006. The 2010 Micronesian Games were initially due to be held in Majuro , until the...
that were held in the Republic of Palau
Palau
Palau , officially the Republic of Palau , is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and south of Tokyo. In 1978, after three decades as being part of the United Nations trusteeship, Palau chose independence instead of becoming part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a...
in August 1998. Given that it was their first international event, and that the Yap team were mostly young boys ages 14 – 21, they did remarkably well, winning two of their six games played. In attendance at the Micronesian Games were two professional FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
referees, sent to Palau
Palau
Palau , officially the Republic of Palau , is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and south of Tokyo. In 1978, after three decades as being part of the United Nations trusteeship, Palau chose independence instead of becoming part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a...
from the Japan Football Association
Japan Football Association
The Japan Football Association, sometimes known as the Japan Soccer Association , is the governing body responsible for the administration of association football in Japan. It is responsible for the national team as well as club competitions....
(they had both recently come from attending and participating in the World Cup ’98 held in France). They were impressed with the team and encouraged the Federated States of Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia or FSM is an independent, sovereign island nation, made up of four states from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. It comprises approximately 607 islands with c...
to apply for FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
accreditation.
1999-2003: Formation Of FSMFA
In January 1999, the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association (FSMFA) was formed. The FSMFA now functions to guide and stimulate all aspect of football development in the country. Its members are state football associations, football clubs and football organizations within the Federated States of Micronesia.2004-Present: Modern Day FSMFA
The leadership of the association was invited by FIFAFIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
to attend the 52nd Ordinary FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
Congress in Zurich
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, held 4-5 August 2000. At the congress, FSMFA and FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
officials met to discuss the status of the FSMFA's application for membership. If all goes according to plan, the FSMFA will become an associate member of FIFA at the next FIFA Ordinary Congress held in Zurich
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
in 2004. In the meantime, the FSMFA is concentrating on the further development of football in all four FSM states. It hopes to sponsor a training course for coaches as well as referees in the four states. Building upon the recent enthusiasm generated at the FSM Games, plans are underway to initiate the formation of teams for girls and women in Yap
Yap
Yap, also known as Wa'ab by locals, is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It is a state of the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap's indigenous cultures and traditions are still strong compared to other neighboring islands. The island of Yap actually consists of four...
, Pohnpei
Pohnpei
Not to be confused with Pompeii, the ancient city destroyed by Vesuvius in AD 79.Pohnpei "upon a stone altar " is the name of one of the four states in the Federated States of Micronesia , situated among the Senyavin Islands which are part of the larger Caroline Islands group...
and Chuuk
Chuuk
Chuuk — formerly Truk, Ruk, Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus — is an island group in the south western part of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia , along with Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Chuuk is the most populous of the FSM's...
.
In 2006, the FSMFA was recognized as a possible future associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation
Oceania Football Confederation
The Oceania Football Confederation is one of the six continental confederations of international association football, consisting of Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and island nations such as Tonga, Fiji and other Pacific Island countries...
.
External links
- Official Site of FSM FA
- FSMFA History Source (Revised: July 12, 2002)