The eagerly anticipated annual Secondary Schools Football Competition is now ready to kick off its six weeks of play this Friday 14 August.
Tonga Football Association (TFA) has received confirmation from 11 secondary schools from around Tongatapu with 47 teams making up the draw, 19 of which are girls’ teams.
A total cash prize pool of TOP$ 6,300 is up for grabs in this boys and girls competition, which contains four divisions; Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.
Being a traditionally rugby focused nation, the game of soccer is still relatively new to most students, however this hasn’t dampened the adventurous spirit of students as they look to take on a new sporting challenge.
TFA’s Football Development Officers have been visiting schools around Tongatapu this week to help students familiarise themselves with basic rules and techniques.
This year the Secondary Schools Competition welcomes a newcomer – Talafo’ou Middle School. One hundred and fifty pupils attend Talafo’ou which is located in the far eastern district of Tonga. The school is showing impressive enthusiasm by registering both boys and girls teams in the Under-15 division.
Talafo’ou’s Sports Master Peni Soakimi was thrilled to be visited by TFA’s Technical Staff saying that his school is usually considered too small to participate in other sports. Soakimi added that with the technical assistance rendered by TFA, he expects that football will become a regular feature at Talafo’ou Middle School.
This Secondary Schools Competition will be held at the TFA football academy in ‘Atele and is likely to conclude 2 October, followed by a prize presentation on 11 October.
Courtesy of TFA Media