The trial of a new course run by the Tonga Football Association (TFA) saw 75 attendees take part in three separate courses held across the islands of Ha’apai, Vava’u and Tongatapu. 

The Just Play Youth Coaching Course was a collaborative project between the TFA social responsibility and technical departments and included sessions relating to laws of the game and goalkeeping, alongside physical and mental health and wellbeing.   

It was made possible thanks to funding from the FIFA Forward Programme,  

TFA Head of Social Responsibility, Palu Uhatahi-Tuamoheloa, said the aim of the course was to give coaches a well-rounded approach to educating players.  

“It will allow coaches, through football, to help share their ideas and the importance of avoiding social problems we face today such as drug use, smoking, alcohol and violence,” Uhatahi-Tuamoheloa said.  

“We wanted to teach people about the importance of living healthy, while at the same time incorporating technical challenges.” 

The latest course, which took place last week in the Ha’apai islands saw TFA staff members Kilifi Uele, Timote Polovili, Lafaele Moala, Motekaiai Faupula, Penisimani Fatafehi and Uhatahi-Tuamoheloa all deliver aspects of the course.