SAIPAN — The Tan Siu Lin Foundation and Saipan Soccer School resumed their free After School Program Monday at the TSL Sports Complex in Gualo Rai, drawing nearly 80 participants a day and more than 40 new enrollees in the first two days as families sought a safe, active space for children while schools remain closed following Typhoon Sinlaku.
The program, offered in partnership with the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, is free and open to children ages 6 to 12, running Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include soccer, badminton, basketball, volleyball, arts and homework completion.
“It lights us up with joy — there’s no power at home, and we’re happy to be back,” said Faith, 12, and Mary, 11. Jomel, 11, said returning meant getting to “exercise and play soccer instead of just staying at home,” while Jacob, 11, said “we get to be social — there’s a lot of people to meet.”
“Seeing the smiles, the activity, and the excitement back at the TSL Sports Complex reminds us how important these spaces and programs are for our children and for our community,” said Merlie Tolentino, TSLF Executive Director and SSS After School Program Director.
The program also incorporates life skills through the NMIFA’s Play Smart, Live Strong initiative, which uses soccer to promote healthy, substance-free choices. This week’s lesson focused on understanding consequences, tied to the soccer skill of shot selection.
For more information contact Christy Villaflor at (670) 789-9192.
