Among the many firsts at February’s Marshall Islands Soccer Federation training camps in Springdale, Arkansas, was that one of the players met their birth mother for the first time since adoption and many other Marshallese met with old friends.
The Federation’s General Secretary Matt Webb said: “We are incredibly pleased with the first tandem men’s and women’s national team camp. Whilst it took a great deal of effort from the volunteer team, we feel more confident than ever to improve the service we deliver to players, families, and supporters as we continue to use Springdale, Arkansas as a base for our North American activities.”
He then added: “As always, the personal stories of the players outweigh the impact of on-field activities. One of the players met their birth mother for the first time since adoption, and families were reunited on both sides of the camp.”
The event was the third annual women’s camp and the first time the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation has held a talent ID camp for the men’s team.
According to a media release, both squads received a number of new player interest submissions following the men’s historic first-ever 11-a-side international fixture in August 2025.
“Fourteen new players, all identified by talent ID manager Jack Hutchinson, took part in the men’s camp. Six of those have been put forward for selection for future internationals. Meanwhile, seven new players tried out for the women’s team. All have been selected to be considered for future national team events.”
“Existing players and new talent were assessed at the women’s training camp by national team head coach Katie Smith, women’s team manager Danielle Mihalko, and assistant coaches Josie Matlick and Natasha Brand.”
The women’s side focused on futsal with a view to making their international debut in fall 2026 or spring 2027. That said, the women’s team has struggled to find opponents, with futsal being less of a priority in the US.
The players who took part in the women’s national team camp were: Oneal Hunt, Mari Sallee, Em Miller, Estera Kanono, Cherish Corder, Mia Wase, Quinland Hunt, Luca Lyght, Marthalisa John, Bokean Reimers, Araina London.
Katie Smith said: “This was the best camp yet. The players were fully committed and the program is making strides, and seeing all of the players improve since the last camp fills me with great confidence.
“We’re determined to take this program to the next level and we can’t wait to see these young women make history for their country.
Meanwhile, the men’s squad, which is working towards the 2026 Outrigger Challenge Cup in June, played a scrimmage match against Ozark United under-19s during the camp. The team performed competitively before ultimately losing.
The players who took part in the men’s national team camp were: Seth Sidle, Lucas Schriver, Aaron Anitok-Brokken, Matt John, Zach London, Terry Lynn, Will Jiloji Lynn, Preston Lynn, Antonio Gonzalez Langidrik, George Lang, Laibwij Nathan, Joshua Gonzalez, Jacob Nelson, Matai McCollum, Nate Jones, Zac Jones, Kaika Jacob, Collin Koschnik, Ceylon Konou, Jonathan Pereira.