GECKOS VS. SHARKS: The George Washington High School Geckos and Simon Sanchez High School Sharks play in a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. All 2024 high school graduates from Guam, as well as current college students, are welcome to apply for seven different scholarships totaling over $10,000 through the Guam Football Association’s AHEAD Program scholarships. Photo courtesy of GFA
ISLANDERS VS. COUGARS: John F. Kennedy High School’s Cassandra Kido sends the ball forward against the Academy of Our Lady of Guam during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
HALILI CONTROLS: John F. Kennedy High School’s Jodee Halili stays in control of the ball against Academy of Our Lady of Guam during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
ROYALS VS. COUGARS: Notre Dame High School’s Dolores San Gil controls the ball against Academy of Our Lady of Guam during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
DOLPHINS VS. EAGLES: Southern High School’s Analea Meno looks for options during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League against Harvest Christian Academy in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
GECKOS VS. SHARKS: The George Washington High School Geckos and Simon Sanchez High School Sharks play in a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. All 2024 high school graduates from Guam, as well as current college students, are welcome to apply for seven different scholarships totaling over $10,000 through the Guam Football Association’s AHEAD Program scholarships. Photo courtesy of GFA
ISLANDERS VS. COUGARS: John F. Kennedy High School’s Cassandra Kido sends the ball forward against the Academy of Our Lady of Guam during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
HALILI CONTROLS: John F. Kennedy High School’s Jodee Halili stays in control of the ball against Academy of Our Lady of Guam during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
ROYALS VS. COUGARS: Notre Dame High School’s Dolores San Gil controls the ball against Academy of Our Lady of Guam during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
DOLPHINS VS. EAGLES: Southern High School’s Analea Meno looks for options during a match in the 2024 Interscholastic Girls High School Football League against Harvest Christian Academy in this file photo. Photo courtesy of GFA
Thanks to generous donations from the island’s soccer community, the Guam Football Association annual scholarship application window, with seven scholarships worth over $10,000, is open for all 2024 high school graduates and current college students.
“With the successful launch of the GFA Scholarship Program last year, I’m pleased to offer the opportunity for our student-athletes for the second year in a row,” said Joe Cepeda, Guam Football Association general secretary. “We invite all 2024 high school graduates and current college students from Guam who have a passion for football and the desire to continue their education to apply.”
“I would like to thank all of our sponsorship donors for their generous contributions to the program for our student-athletes. This is a pivotal time in these young student-athletes’ lives and we are happy to support their footballing aspirations on the pitch and educational goals off the pitch,” Cepeda added.
In 2022, GFA developed its AHEAD program (Assistance for Higher Education and Development), aimed at assisting athletes who are making the transition from high school to college. As part of the program, GFA partnered with members of the local soccer community to develop a scholarship fund to help recipients reduce costs associated with higher education.
The seven scholarships available are:
Shirley Lai Memorial Scholarship Fund (in partnership with the family of the late Shirley Lai of Shirley’s Coffee Shops; up to $4,000 available)
Teddy “Ted” Cipollone Memorial Scholarship Fund (in partnership with the family of the late Teddy “Ted” Cipollone, one of the first to compete for Guam as part of the Guam Men’s National Team; up to $3,000 available)
Grace Martinez Memorial Scholarship Fund (in partnership with the family of the late Grace Martinez, former GFA Women’s Football Development Officer and former administrator of the GFA Women’s Committee; $1,000 available)
GFA Grassroots Scholarship Fund (in partnership with the family of the late Shirley Lai of Shirley’s Coffee Shops; up to $1,000 available)
A4G Scholarship Fund (in partnership with the family of Leon and Rhoda Bamba, particularly for current youth referees; up to $500 available)
Coach Lester Layco Memorial Scholarship Fund (in partnership with the Islanders FC, particularly for student-athletes who have played for the Islanders FC for at least two years; up to $500 available)
Ashenafi Lom Foundation Scholarship Fund (in partnership with Wings FC; up to $500 available)
“As a recipient of the 2023 GFA Scholarship, I have found it to be very beneficial for the start of my college journey,” said Giselle Dahilig, one of six scholarship recipients from the inaugural program. “From the funds, I’ve been able to cover the cost of necessary school materials, as well as additional courses I must take to earn my degree.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this scholarship possible, as well as to my family, friends and coaches who have supported me along the way. Being awarded this scholarship exemplifies one of the many ways that GFA demonstrates its dedication to supporting and investing in its community,” added Dahilig, currently attending the University of Guam, and working toward a degree in civil engineering.
In the first year of the program, Dahilig applied for several scholarship opportunities and earned five, totaling $3,250. The 2023 Guam High School graduate is also part of Guam’s National Program. Dahilig was recently selected to play for Guam in the upcoming Women’s Four Nations Cup 2024 in Saipan set to kick off at the end of the month. In addition, Dahilig is a national referee and referee mentor.
To apply for one or more scholarships, interested candidates can find the application form on GFA’s official website at https://guamfa.com/gfa-programs/scholarships/.
The due date for submission of scholarship application forms is July 31. Scholarship recipients will be notified of the award granted and the disbursement of funds by Aug. 15.
Each scholarship has various criteria for selection and varies in amounts per recipient. More information about each scholarship is available on GFA’s website.
For additional inquiries regarding the available scholarships or to make a donation for additional scholarship opportunities, email scholarships@theguamfa.com.
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