Guam's Inifresi is a cherished statement - a solemn pledge to uphold the traditions, pride and virtues of our island. And in the local sports community, it's also a unifying rallying cry. Since 2012, the Inifresi has been recited before matches by our national soccer teams to prepare them for competition; and announce, in no shortage of passion, our heritage and the sharing of our spirit. Not just on Mes CHamoru, but throughout the calendar year.

They're beautiful words for the Beautiful Game.

"We've got to incorporate our culture into our football," explained Sam San Gil, the football events director for the Guam Football Association where he also serves as head coach for the U17 National Team. "So, we changed the team names from instead of the Guam National Teams to the Matao for our men, which means 'chiefs', and our Masakada, which means 'brave females'. And we also incorporated our Inifresi."

Technical director and Matao head coach Ross Awa added, "We do it in friendlies, as well. Any international match we have, we say the Inifresi. And it's a great way for us to get the match started, and also for us an affirmation on matchday to project our culture and to promote the island culture on an international stage."

Our entire rosters – all players and coaches - are required to know the verses by heart, speak them with their chest and feel it in their soul. Over 13 seasons, it's inspired  fans in the stands and captivated social media.

"In international matches, just most recently when we were in Hong Kong, when we were ready to go against Macao, when we chanted right before we walked out of the tunnel,  already showed our opposition that they're facing Guam. We're not just a small island out in the Pacific, but we're competitors on an international stage for football" Awa recalled.

San Gil said, "It's really exciting for the games, and you can really feel the heart."

Asked about any variance in the intensity between sexes, Awa commented, "The women do it in a very calm manner, but they also really bring the hype. So I would say in general, the hype is at the same level playing field for both genders. But when the men do it, we do it in a very warrior-type style."

Both at home in Harmon and away throughout the world, every member of our football programs, regardless of how long they've called Guam home, repeats in stirring unison.  "It's actually within our youth national programs, as well, not just within our senior side.  So all our programs within our academy, all the way up to seniors, they chant the Inifresi, and they do it prior to every match that we play for Guam," said Awa.

The passages ring-out, with the words echoing over fields, across stadiums and throughout locker rooms.  "Throughout every match, there's always that someone who has that urge to give their best. And sometimes it captain, sometimes it can be another player, who's really feeling really ready for that game and is ready for to say that chant. Sometimes, it's even myself!" said Awa.

Being designated as the person who leads the ceremonial chant is an honor beyond description, as San Gil said, "It heightens your game. Just reciting it and knowing you've got your culture and to know that your people will stand behind you, to prutehi and difende."