Victory for Youth Soccer

Photo courtesy of Kathy Puhi

Molokai keiki athletes can now compete off-island in soccer thanks to the establishment of travel teams for both girls and boys.

On March 23-24, Molokai girls competed in the 12 and under Kirk Banks Tournament on Oahu. The team, coached by Kathy Puhi and Naomi Bicoy, dominated their opposition, winning 7-0, 6-0, 6-0 in tournament play against West Oahu and Pearl City. They went on to win the championship game by a score of 4-1. Kaiolohia Puhi, Qarah Torres Umi Napoleon and Zoey Place led the offensive charge for the girls with multiple goals over the four games.

Photo by Sam Wescoat

The other Molokai travel team, a new 12 and under team made up of boys and girls coached by Sam Westcoat, Andrew Valyo and Ryan Link, also had a chance to show their talents off-island. They finished with a 2-2 record in their division of the Kirk Banks Tournament, taking an impressive third place in their inaugural competition.

With no spring soccer season for this age group on Molokai, the travel teams have filled an important gap in the Molokai soccer landscape.

Puhi and Bicoy started the girls travel team three years ago, after the COVID pandemic had slowed down. Without many other sports taking place, lots of young athletes were looking to try soccer.

“It was just a dream and a wish,” said Puhi. “We found a group of girls who wanted to play at a high level of competition. So, we banded together and got the parents on board.”

Puhi explained that travel soccer allows for athletes to experience higher, different levels of competition.

Having grown up in Southern California, a mecca of American soccer, she wanted to give Molokai kids the chance to experience further competition, travel and comradery.

The coed team was formed this year, giving Molokai boys a chance to join in on the action.

“We just want them to have fun and build up the love for soccer,” said Valyo. “It builds social skills…if you can’t play as a team, you can’t win a game.”

The teams combine keiki from different Molokai elementary schools, allowing them to make new friends as well, explained Bicoy.

Both teams raised money for their travel and accommodations through various fundraisers and sponsors. Through pizza tickets, lemonade stands, corn sales, and more. The cost for travel and lodging for off-island tournaments is expensive, around $8,000 according to Puhi.

“We always want to thank the Molokai community for supporting,” said Bicoy.