TFA Technical Director Kilifi Uele assisted Bannatyne in training 25 coaches selected from a range of clubs and high schools by the Vava’u Football Office.
Bannatyne is confident that the course will have a lasting impact on the region and contribute towards the development of football in Tonga.
“This was my first non-goalkeeping course for FIFA and it was an honour to do it in Tonga. It was a great week with challenges for everyone, and I think we all learnt a lot from the experience,” he said.
“Developing football here in Vava’u, in Tonga and the Oceania region requires a lot of work, but we started small and are now making good progress. The positive attitude of the participants made the whole process a lot easier,” he added.
Vava’u Football Manager Manatu Liavaá was impressed with the course and extremely grateful for the opportunity given to Vava’u Football.
“It was a huge bonus for Vava’u when Tonga FA made the decision to bring this course to our region, and it will be beneficial in helping us develop football here in Vava’u,” she said.
“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Tonga Football and Kilifi Uele for offering their service to us. I believe these young coaches will deliver what they have learnt from this course to their respective clubs.
“The same gratitude goes to James Bannatyne for leading this course. I hope his short visit to our shore was a remarkable one.”
For more on Tonga football go to www.tongafootball.to

Share