A 4-0 loss but Pacific islanders make soccer history
The remote Pacific nation with fewer than 40,000 people played their first-ever international at the 3000-capacity Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium in Springdale, better known as home to the local high school's American football team.
"I feel surreal this morning; it's one of those out-of-body experiences," technical director Lloyd Owers said before the historic match.
"I don't think we or anyone else thought we'd be here in two-and-a-half years. The fact that it's going viral across the world is a great feeling."
Owers, an English ex-semi-professional player, who took charge in 2022, led a squad this week that included players experiencing 11-a-side football for the first time.
With just five training sessions together, the 20-man squad spans generations from a 15-year-old to a player in his early 40s.
"They were a bit nervy, understandably, but we have a good dynamic off the field and that has helped raise our game," Owers added.
"Now we're going into these games wanting to compete and turn that nervous energy into a positive experience."
The match kicked off the Marshall Islands' own created tournament — the Outrigger Challenge Cup, a four-team event featuring two FIFA nations, Turks and Caicos Islands (world-ranked 206th)and US Virgin Islands (207th), plus local side Ozark United's under-19 team.
Northwest Arkansas was chosen as the venue because it hosts the largest Marshallese community in the United States and offers a convenient mid-point for Caribbean opponents.
The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, established in 2021 with the support of British volunteers and self-funded, harbours ambitions that extend beyond Thursday's outing.
FIFA membership would unlock up to $US8 million ($A12 million) in funding over four years, but confederation membership is required first.
Despite writing to the Oceanian confederation, the Marshall Islands say they have received no response, with the OFC citing a 'lack of direct air links' as the barrier.
They are, however, considering applying to CONCACAF (the North American confederation) and the AFC (Asian confederation).
Saturday brings their next challenge against the Turks and Caicos Islands and another chance to make history.
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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
A 4-0 loss but Pacific islanders make soccer history
The Marshall Islands have lost their first ever international football match 4-0 to the US Virgin Islands on a high school gridiron pitch in Arkansas -- but not before making history as the world's newest national soccer team. The remote Pacific nation with fewer than 40,000 people played their first-ever international at the 3000-capacity Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium in Springdale, better known as home to the local high school's American football team. "I feel surreal this morning; it's one of those out-of-body experiences," technical director Lloyd Owers said before the historic match. "I don't think we or anyone else thought we'd be here in two-and-a-half years. The fact that it's going viral across the world is a great feeling." Owers, an English ex-semi-professional player, who took charge in 2022, led a squad this week that included players experiencing 11-a-side football for the first time. With just five training sessions together, the 20-man squad spans generations from a 15-year-old to a player in his early 40s. "They were a bit nervy, understandably, but we have a good dynamic off the field and that has helped raise our game," Owers added. "Now we're going into these games wanting to compete and turn that nervous energy into a positive experience." The match kicked off the Marshall Islands' own created tournament — the Outrigger Challenge Cup, a four-team event featuring two FIFA nations, Turks and Caicos Islands (world-ranked 206th)and US Virgin Islands (207th), plus local side Ozark United's under-19 team. Northwest Arkansas was chosen as the venue because it hosts the largest Marshallese community in the United States and offers a convenient mid-point for Caribbean opponents. The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, established in 2021 with the support of British volunteers and self-funded, harbours ambitions that extend beyond Thursday's outing. FIFA membership would unlock up to $US8 million ($A12 million) in funding over four years, but confederation membership is required first. Despite writing to the Oceanian confederation, the Marshall Islands say they have received no response, with the OFC citing a 'lack of direct air links' as the barrier. They are, however, considering applying to CONCACAF (the North American confederation) and the AFC (Asian confederation). Saturday brings their next challenge against the Turks and Caicos Islands and another chance to make history. The Marshall Islands have lost their first ever international football match 4-0 to the US Virgin Islands on a high school gridiron pitch in Arkansas -- but not before making history as the world's newest national soccer team. The remote Pacific nation with fewer than 40,000 people played their first-ever international at the 3000-capacity Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium in Springdale, better known as home to the local high school's American football team. "I feel surreal this morning; it's one of those out-of-body experiences," technical director Lloyd Owers said before the historic match. "I don't think we or anyone else thought we'd be here in two-and-a-half years. The fact that it's going viral across the world is a great feeling." Owers, an English ex-semi-professional player, who took charge in 2022, led a squad this week that included players experiencing 11-a-side football for the first time. With just five training sessions together, the 20-man squad spans generations from a 15-year-old to a player in his early 40s. "They were a bit nervy, understandably, but we have a good dynamic off the field and that has helped raise our game," Owers added. "Now we're going into these games wanting to compete and turn that nervous energy into a positive experience." The match kicked off the Marshall Islands' own created tournament — the Outrigger Challenge Cup, a four-team event featuring two FIFA nations, Turks and Caicos Islands (world-ranked 206th)and US Virgin Islands (207th), plus local side Ozark United's under-19 team. Northwest Arkansas was chosen as the venue because it hosts the largest Marshallese community in the United States and offers a convenient mid-point for Caribbean opponents. The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, established in 2021 with the support of British volunteers and self-funded, harbours ambitions that extend beyond Thursday's outing. FIFA membership would unlock up to $US8 million ($A12 million) in funding over four years, but confederation membership is required first. Despite writing to the Oceanian confederation, the Marshall Islands say they have received no response, with the OFC citing a 'lack of direct air links' as the barrier. They are, however, considering applying to CONCACAF (the North American confederation) and the AFC (Asian confederation). Saturday brings their next challenge against the Turks and Caicos Islands and another chance to make history. The Marshall Islands have lost their first ever international football match 4-0 to the US Virgin Islands on a high school gridiron pitch in Arkansas -- but not before making history as the world's newest national soccer team. The remote Pacific nation with fewer than 40,000 people played their first-ever international at the 3000-capacity Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium in Springdale, better known as home to the local high school's American football team. "I feel surreal this morning; it's one of those out-of-body experiences," technical director Lloyd Owers said before the historic match. "I don't think we or anyone else thought we'd be here in two-and-a-half years. The fact that it's going viral across the world is a great feeling." Owers, an English ex-semi-professional player, who took charge in 2022, led a squad this week that included players experiencing 11-a-side football for the first time. With just five training sessions together, the 20-man squad spans generations from a 15-year-old to a player in his early 40s. "They were a bit nervy, understandably, but we have a good dynamic off the field and that has helped raise our game," Owers added. "Now we're going into these games wanting to compete and turn that nervous energy into a positive experience." The match kicked off the Marshall Islands' own created tournament — the Outrigger Challenge Cup, a four-team event featuring two FIFA nations, Turks and Caicos Islands (world-ranked 206th)and US Virgin Islands (207th), plus local side Ozark United's under-19 team. Northwest Arkansas was chosen as the venue because it hosts the largest Marshallese community in the United States and offers a convenient mid-point for Caribbean opponents. The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, established in 2021 with the support of British volunteers and self-funded, harbours ambitions that extend beyond Thursday's outing. FIFA membership would unlock up to $US8 million ($A12 million) in funding over four years, but confederation membership is required first. Despite writing to the Oceanian confederation, the Marshall Islands say they have received no response, with the OFC citing a 'lack of direct air links' as the barrier. They are, however, considering applying to CONCACAF (the North American confederation) and the AFC (Asian confederation). Saturday brings their next challenge against the Turks and Caicos Islands and another chance to make history.
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Another Roosters star pledges his allegiance to England
Billy Smith is poised to follow Roosters teammate Victor Radley in representing England during the upcoming Kangaroos tour – as it emerged Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is also eligible for the Lions. International eligibility has become a hot topic after Kangaroos forward Payne Haas indicated he will switch to Samoa, with Fa'asuamaleaui considering doing likewise. League officials have indicated the current eligibility rules – which preclude players representing tier-one nations England and New Zealand from being selected for State of Origin – will be reviewed before next year's World Cup. Some powerbrokers feel it's unfair that Radley is blocked from being picked for NSW because he has played for England, at a time when tier-two nations including Samoa and Tonga are often just as strong as tier-one countries Australia, New Zealand and England. In a huge boost for England as they prepare to host the first Kangaroos Ashes tour since 2003, Smith has told coach Shaun Wane he wants to honour his English heritage by playing in the series. 'Billy Smith contacted me, and I do like it when players contact me to express their desire to represent England,' Wane said. 'I'm very grateful for that and, like Victor Radley, it's a sign that he wants to play for England. It goes a long way. 'I do rate him. I'm a big fan of the NRL and all of the quality athletes playing in it. Billy Smith is one of the best athletes, he's a great centre and he would be a great asset. I like that he has contacted me, that means a lot, and I will be pursuing it.' Smith made his NRL debut in 2019, but a luckless run of injuries has restricted him to just 40 first-grade appearances. Despite three ACLs, a lisfranc issue, a serious shoulder injury, a fractured jaw and an ankle complaint, Smith has fought his way into Trent Robinson's Roosters side. Wane said he was impressed at how Smith has been able to overcome the setbacks.
The Age
6 hours ago
- The Age
Another Roosters star pledges his allegiance to England
Billy Smith is poised to follow Roosters teammate Victor Radley in representing England during the upcoming Kangaroos tour – as it emerged Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is also eligible for the Lions. International eligibility has become a hot topic after Kangaroos forward Payne Haas indicated he will switch to Samoa, with Fa'asuamaleaui considering doing likewise. League officials have indicated the current eligibility rules – which preclude players representing tier-one nations England and New Zealand from being selected for State of Origin – will be reviewed before next year's World Cup. Some powerbrokers feel it's unfair that Radley is blocked from being picked for NSW because he has played for England, at a time when tier-two nations including Samoa and Tonga are often just as strong as tier-one countries Australia, New Zealand and England. In a huge boost for England as they prepare to host the first Kangaroos Ashes tour since 2003, Smith has told coach Shaun Wane he wants to honour his English heritage by playing in the series. 'Billy Smith contacted me, and I do like it when players contact me to express their desire to represent England,' Wane said. 'I'm very grateful for that and, like Victor Radley, it's a sign that he wants to play for England. It goes a long way. 'I do rate him. I'm a big fan of the NRL and all of the quality athletes playing in it. Billy Smith is one of the best athletes, he's a great centre and he would be a great asset. I like that he has contacted me, that means a lot, and I will be pursuing it.' Smith made his NRL debut in 2019, but a luckless run of injuries has restricted him to just 40 first-grade appearances. Despite three ACLs, a lisfranc issue, a serious shoulder injury, a fractured jaw and an ankle complaint, Smith has fought his way into Trent Robinson's Roosters side. Wane said he was impressed at how Smith has been able to overcome the setbacks.
