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CNN
07-05-2025
- Sport
- CNN
This nation is threatened by rising sea levels. It is raising awareness as it sets up its first soccer team
CNN — Between rising sea levels from the climate crisis, a history of nuclear testing causing radioactive pollution and population displacement, the Marshall Islands face numerous threats. Now, the country – made up of 29 atolls and five main islands in the North Pacific – is shining a light on the struggles it faces by turning to an unlikely source: Soccer. The Marshall Islands are seeking to become the last of the 193 United Nations member states to have a recognized international 11-a-side soccer team, with the aim of becoming a member of FIFA – world soccer's governing body – by 2030. To help the cause, the nation's soccer governing body has organized a four-team tournament taking place this summer in Springdale, Arkansas, home to the largest Marshallese community outside of the islands. But perhaps more important than the sporting benefits of the endeavor is the opportunity to raise awareness of the environmental battle the country faces as a result of climate change. To that end, the three British men behind the initiative – Matt Webb, Lloyd Owers and Justin Walley – have also created a new team kit. Designed with the colors of the Marshall Islands flag and emblazoned with images of the islands' flora and fauna, the number 1.5 takes pride of place in the center of the 'No-Home' shirt, a reference to the Paris climate agreement, in which countries agreed to make efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. A quote from Marshallese poet Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner is also etched onto the shirt: 'We deserve to thrive.' The message and the unique design were enough to make it a popular release. But it got even more attention when, with each photo post on social media of the new kit, parts of the shirt had disappeared; first a bit of a sleeve, next some from the midriff and then from the collar. The gradual loss of parts of the kit was used as a stark reminder of the creeping danger that rising sea levels present to the Marshall Islands. According to analysis by NASA, sea levels in the Marshall Islands have risen by 10 centimeters (almost 3.94 inches) over the last 30 years and could rise by 19 centimeters (roughly 7.48 inches) over the next 30 years, leading to an increase in flooding with 'worsening severity.' If no measures are taken, the islands are likely to face more than 100 days of flooding yearly by the end of the century. Webb, who works as the head of commercial for the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, explains that while developing the soccer side was the main priority when they began their work, they are in the 'fortunate position' to be able to bring attention to an issue that perhaps would fall by the wayside. 'There is an obligation to talk about aspects such as climate change, nuclear legacy. We have this kind of duty of care to mention it at least. And we decided to use the shirt as a way to it,' Webb told CNN Sports. 'It's a celebration of a rich culture of the Marshall Islands and, potentially, what could be lost if action isn't taken. We appreciate that climate change can be polarizing to some people and it's maybe not something they want to focus on in sport. But for us, it would be amiss if we didn't kind of reference it at all. And using sport as well, we've got such a huge platform where other outlets might not necessarily be able to touch upon that.' The Marshall Islands are home to around 39,000 people and are on the opposite side of the world to the United Kingdom, where Webb and Owers live. But they stumbled across the country's sporting plight in an article in The Athletic in 2021. The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation was founded in 2020 by President Shem Livai because his son was an avid soccer fan, but there was no structure for kids to play. Webb immediately wanted to be involved. Webb and Owers both have experience in the Beautiful Game prior to this endeavor. Webb's day job is in marketing but he has previously been involved in soccer administration and founding clubs, while Owers has previously worked as a coach and helped in forming coaching programs for teams in the UK and abroad. Webb recalls finding Livai on social media and eventually his email before 'peppering' him with messages offering his services as a volunteer until Livai, as the Brit recounts, 'relented.' Owers was introduced by a mutual connection after which he was appointed technical director and the pair set about revamping the federation. Webb admits that they faced some skepticism from locals in the early months – ''What are you doing? You're saying you're Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, but you're doing this from the UK,'' he remembers being asked – but have since developed relationships and connections to establish their credibility as keen volunteers. While soccer is known as the global game, that is not the case on the Marshall Islands. Given its longstanding connections to the US – the republic is home to the US Army Garrison Kwajalein, which helps in ballistic missile testing and tracking – basketball and volleyball are the most popular sports there. While many of the youngsters on the island may be fans of soccer, Webb explains, the lack of accessibility to adequate facilities and coaching means few play it regularly. Webb and Owers set about using futsal – a scaled-down version of regular soccer played with five players on each team and on smaller pitches – to increase playing time, using the abundance of basketball courts as venues. But, due to the geographic make-up of the islands, space is at a premium when it comes to full-size 11-a-side pitches, which FIFA recommends have the dimensions of 105 meters (almost 344.5 feet) x 68 meters (almost 223.1 feet). 'It's a very low-lying island nation, which is built on top of essentially a coral reef. And when you're there, you can kind of really feel how close you are and how much your islands are related to the oceans,' Webb explains. 'You've got oceans on one side, and it's basically a circular lagoon on the inside as well. So there's points on your island where it's just one road separating the ocean to the lagoon. You feel really exposed at times.' The country did build a stadium for the Micronesian Games last summer, which gives the islands a useable pitch, but it still has no goals even now. They have focused on acquiring equipment, creating opportunities to play and providing coaches for the Marshallese people to get a taste of what the Beautiful Game can bring. While they are hoping that this next generation of soccer-mad youngsters will provide the bedrock for a blossoming Marshall Islands national team, their current crop of players is made up of young adults and expatriates from surrounding islands, such as Solomon Islands, Fiji and Kiribati. With the help of on-island coaches, the British volunteers were able to build a soccer system across the islands. They have seen buy-in across the generations as their reputations have grown. On top of the sporting benefits have been the human impact, which Webb describes as arguably the more 'rewarding' part of what they're doing. On Owers' most recent trip to the Marshall Islands, he led a group from the island of Majuro – the country's capital – to the island of Kwajalein. He was told by one of his players: 'This is the best weekend of my life.' Webb explains: 'We can take it for granted, the ability to move freely between places, but for some of these lads, it's the first time off island or traveling by plane and seeing new things and meeting new people. So there's that kind of personal impact you're having on people's lives.' Both Webb and Owers are unequivocal in their aim of having the Marshall Islands being involved in the qualification process for a FIFA World Cup. But to do that, there are certain criteria they must meet to be able to join a regional confederation. The first step on that journey is the four-team tournament in August in Arkansas, their first 11-a-side matches against other international teams. The 'Outrigger Cup' will see the Marshall Islands face the US Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Guam, all three of which are FIFA member nations. They have started a fundraiser for the tournament, which they see as an opportunity to bring Marshallese people together. 'We want to be in a position to allow every Marshallese person the opportunity to be a part of our project regardless of where they are in the world,' Owers said. 'Uniting everyone in a different place is another opportunity for us to do that. 'I think, as a byproduct of it, hopefully this then propels the project into something where we're in front of those confederations that we've applied for. They've got more awareness of what we're doing, and seeing the journey and the development of where we were, where we've gone, and then where we want to be, and hopefully using this as a bit of a platform to push on from that.' Webb reveals that they also have plans in future editions of the kit to address the nuclear legacy of the Marshall Islands; the US government conducted 67 nuclear tests there between 1946 and 1958 which 'left communities displaced and contributed to radioactive land and sea pollution,' per the UN. He talks about how much the islanders value community, which too is under threat, as more families emigrate to the US to avoid the impacts of climate change. But Webb believes soccer can help bring the Marshallese together. 'We want to unite people through a medium of sport, and hopefully raise awareness to those issues that people face on daily basis. If we can have any small part in helping that, then we will.'
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Indianapolis Colts' early-round draft pick named among 'biggest reaches' by PFF
Indianapolis Colts' early-round draft pick named among 'biggest reaches' by PFF One of the Indianapolis Colts' early-round selections was named one of the "biggest reaches" in this year's NFL draft by PFF. One of the Indianapolis Colts' early-round selections was named one of the "biggest reaches" in this year's NFL draft by Pro Football Focus. Among the seven Day 2 draft picks that were determined to be reaches by PFF was the Colts' third-round pick that they used on Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley. With Walley being ranked 194th on the consensus big board and the Colts picking him at 80th overall, that difference of 114 spots was the third-largest of all Day 2 selections. "While his raw stats from 2024 look very good (41.8% completion rate allowed, 57.8 passer rating allowed), Walley lacks strength, which shows up in a high number of missed tackles," wrote PFF. "If he can get strong at the next level, he can develop into a solid player, but his ceiling might be capped." Walley is a bit undersized, and as PFF notes, missed tackles were an issue. However, his experience, playing almost 2,400 career snaps, his willingness to compete, speed, and versatility are all reasons that Indianapolis wanted to draft him. During the pre-draft process, Walley would run a 4.4-second 40 and was very stingy in coverage during his final season, allowing a completion rate of only 41.8%, while having strong ball production over his final two years, which included three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Walley, who spent most of his snaps on the boundary, is also someone the Colts view as a nickel defender as well, potentially allowing him to be the backup behind Kenny Moore. 'Besides the (smaller) size, he plays the game the way we want him to play," said Colts' area scout Tyler Hughes via the Indy Star. "Smart, tough, instinctive, takes the ball away. He's going to come up in the run game and fill the hole when he's trying to tackle. Overall, he's a complete player, aside from the size, and then the character on top of it.' Attempting to determine if a draft pick was a reach or not all goes back to the value placed on a prospect. However, value is relative. How the outside world views a player isn't going to always align with how an NFL team does. Even from team to team, depending on the schematic fit, value can change. For the Colts in this new Lou Anarumo defense, they see someone who has the speed to operate in man coverage and some ball skills to go with it. In addition to that, versatility in this disguise-heavy scheme is valuable. And Walley will further add some competitiveness to the team as well. "I don't care where everybody thinks they're going to go – I don't," GM Chris Ballard said via the team site. "We grade them and we take them. We think he's got a chance to be a really good starting corner in this league.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Breaking down Indianapolis Colts' 2025 third round pick CB Justin Walley
Breaking down Indianapolis Colts' 2025 third round pick CB Justin Walley In the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Minnesota CB Justin Walley. Let's break it down. Justin Walley was drafted in round 3 pick 80 in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 5.97 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1113 out of 2761 CB from 1987 to 2025. — Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 26, 2025 In the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley. Let's break down the pick, and if you missed our other recaps, you can find them below. Justin Walley profile Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Age: 22 College profile Breaking down the Indianapolis Colts' pick Walley is a bit undersized, but has blazing speed, running a 4.40 during the pre-draft process. One thing we've also heard about him from GM Chris Ballard and others is that he worked out at the NFL combine despite having a cast on his wrist, and the Colts very much took notice. On the field, Walley is an experienced player, with nearly 2,400 career snaps on defense over four seasons at Minnesota. He's been stingy in coverage, allowing a completion rate of just 42% this past season and 57% the year prior, and has good ball production to pair with that, totaling three interceptions and 10 pass breakups over the last two years. Walley was primarily a boundary cornerback in college, but the Colts view him as someone who can play the nickel as well, which could make him the primary backup behind Kenny Moore for that role. Given the state of the overall roster, I'm not sure how many had cornerback on their radar as a top 100 selection for the Colts, but his speed, versatility, and play style have the Colts believing he can be a really good fit for Lou Anarumo's ever-evolving scheme. Justin Walley's scouting report Lance Zierlein: "Highly experienced cornerback with good size, speed and ball production. Walley has good mirror-and-match footwork in the early stages of the route but needs to trust his technique instead of using his hands in coverage so often. He keeps close tabs on quarterbacks and pounces on short throws with authority. He's irritating at the catch point but can be bodied by big targets. He's willing in run support but will need to improve his finishing against bigger runners. Walley played an overwhelming majority of his snaps outside, but he could be destined to slide inside due to a lack of length." They said it Tyler Hughes, area scout: 'You're going to get some versatility with him," Hughes said via Indy Star. "He's smart, competitive, tough, instinctive. I think he showcased that throughout his entire career, went up against some good receivers in his Big Ten career, and then he goes to the Combine, and performing everything with the cast on, you don't see that. It's not common nowadays. It shows you what type of player he is. 'Besides the (smaller) size, he plays the game the way we want him to play. Smart, tough, instinctive, takes the ball away. He's going to come up in the run game and fill the hole when he's trying to tackle. Overall, he's a complete player, aside from the size, and then the character on top of it.' Justin Walley's athletic profile
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Experts give Colts mixed grades for Day 2 NFL draft picks
Experts give Colts mixed grades for Day 2 NFL draft picks What grades did the experts give the Indianapolis Colts for their Day 2 NFL draft selections? What grades did the experts give the Indianapolis Colts for their Day 2 NFL draft selections? In the second round, the Colts would land polished defensive end JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State. Tuimoloau fits the typical mold we see GM Chris Ballard target at defensive end with this size and athleticism. He's also an experienced player who was a three-down presence at Ohio State, ranking sixth in PFF's run defense grade and 14th in pressures among his position group. The Colts landed a Day 1 contributor who brings a well-rounded skill set to a position where more depth and consistency are needed. Then in the third round, the Colts selected Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley, who has spent his college career on the boundary, but is someone the Colts believe can play inside. Walley has been stingy in his career in coverage, surrendering a completion rate of just 53%, although he has given up big plays as well, with opponents averaging over 17 yards per catch in 2024. While a bit undersized, Ballard noted his speed and toughness, which he believes will help Walley's skill set translate to the NFL level. Versatility is important in Lou Anarumo's scheme, and perhaps Walley can be the backup option behind Kenny Moore in the slot--prior to the draft, there wasn't a clear option for that role on the roster--but even so, particularly with the unknown on the offensive line, this felt like a luxury pick that I don't know the Colts are in a position to make. So with the dust having somewhat settled on these selections, what grades did the Colts receive? Colts Day 2 NFL draft grades from experts USA Today JT Tuimoloau: B Justin Walley: C- Pro Football Focus JT Tuimoloau: Average Justin Walley: Below Average 33rd Team JT Tuimoloau: C+ Justin Walley: C Bleacher Report JT Tuimoloau: B Justin Walley: C+ CBS Sports JT Tuimoloau: B+ Justin Wiley: C Sports Illustrated
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Host Ball-Hawking Cornerback for Pre-Draft Visit
Justin Walley, Minnesota Athletics The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley for a pre-draft visit on Monday. Walley is a 5-foot-10, 190-pound defensive back who mostly played outside cornerback in his four seasons with the Golden Gophers. He could be a candidate to move to the slot at the NFL level. Advertisement A D'Iberville, Mississippi, native, Walley joined Minnesota in 2021, and played immediately, starting six games a freshman. He then started another 36 games over his following three seasons, making him one of the most experienced defensive backs in this year's draft class. Walley finished his collegiate career with seven interceptions, including a career high of three in 2022 and a 33-year pick six last fall against Maryland. As a senior, he also finished with 42 tackles, two for a loss, one sack and 10 passes defended. He was named a second-team All-Big performer. The Steelers previously scouted Walley at the 2025 Shrine Bowl and 2025 NFL Combine, where he ran a promising 4.40-second 40-yard dash, but posted poor agility and explosiveness marks, including a 32-inch vertical. His total Relative Athletic Score is 5.97. Advertisement The Steelers have an uncertain situation at slot cornerback for 2025, with former starter Cam Sutton still a free agent. Beanie Bishop, who played well while replacing Sutton during his suspension in 2024, and free agent signing Brandin Echols appear to be in the mix in the slot for 2025 as of right now. Walley could add to that mix as a late-round selection. He is currently the No. 232 player on the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board, just after the Steelers' final pick of the draft at No. 229. Justin Walley, Minnesota Athletics STEELERS 2025 NFL DRAFT VISITOR TRACKER Louisville QB Tyler Shough (March 6) Ole Miss DT J.J. Pegues (March 6) West Virginia OL Wyatt Milum (March 6) (exempt) Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson (March 14) TCU WR/RB Savion Williams (March 14) Iowa DT Yahya Black (March 14) Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins (March 17) Pitt K Ben Sauls (March 18) (exempt) Texas WR Matthew Golden (April 3) Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson (April 3) Florida State CB Azareye'h Thomas (April 3) Pitt TE Gavin Bartholomew (April 3) (exempt) Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (April 4) South Carolina SS Nick Emmanwori (April 4) Oregon NT Jamaree Caldwell (April 4) Iowa State WR Jaylin Noel (April 4) Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten (April 7) Florida State DT Joshua Farmer (April 7) SMU DL Elijah Roberts (April 8) Ole Miss CB Trey Amos (April 8) Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon (April 9) North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton (April 9) Oregon DT Derrick Harmon (April 9) Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders (April 10) Pitt S Donovan McMillon (April 10) (exempt) Kansas State RB DJ Giddens (April 11) Texas A&M OLB Shemar Stewart (April 11) SMU DT Jared Harrison-Hunte (April 11) Syracuse QB Kyle McCord (April 14) Texas RB Jaydon Blue (April 14) Minnesota CB Justin Walley (April 14) UCF RB R.J. Harvey (reported) Visits completed: 27/30 Visits reported: 28/30 Advertisement This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: &&POSTLINK%% Related Headlines
