A successful three-day coaching course delivered under the Oceania Football Confederation’s This Is How We Football (TIHWF) programme has equipped community coaches across Tonga with the knowledge and confidence to create safer, more inclusive environments for young people in football.

Delivered in partnership with the Tonga Ministry of Education’s Anti-Bullying Training Programme, the Tonga Red Cross and the UEFA Together programme, the course brought together the Tongan coaching comunity to strengthen their ability to use football as a tool for positive social change.

While the training focused on building coaching capacity, it also highlighted the remarkable journey of one of Tonga’s emerging football leaders, Madison Tenifa.

At just 22 years old, Tenifa has grown from a young participant discovering football for the first time to becoming a lead facilitator and role model for the next generation of players and coaches

A goalkeeper for Mataliki, Tonga’s Women’s National Team, and a native of Pea village in Tongatapu, her story reflects the impact football can have when opportunities are made accessible to young women.

Her football journey began unexpectedly at the age of 15.

“I was heading to netball training when it got cancelled,” Tenifa recalled. “A football development visit to my school introduced me to the game, and that moment changed everything.”

Since then, football has become much more than a sport. Through the TIHWF programme, Tenifa has developed as a volunteer, coach, ambassador, and now a lead facilitator supporting coaches to deliver meaningful football experiences within their communities.

“Seeing the joy on the children’s faces during each session, game and activity, and watching them share their dreams through dream boards, is what continues to motivate me.” she said.

A recent learning experience in Australia further strengthened her commitment to football for development.

“My recent trip to Australia really opened my eyes. I learned new ideas and approaches, especially through engaging with the Creating Chances team. Now I feel empowered to support coaches to deliver the programme in their communities and help achieve the goals we have set for 2026.”

Throughout the three-day course, coaches witnessed Tenifa’s growth and leadership firsthand. Sione Fasi from the Logologo community praised her facilitation skills.

“Madison facilitated the training beautifully and for me, we achieved the programme objectives,” he said. “Seeing a young and vibrant woman like Madison confidently deliver the programme alongside her colleagues was inspiring.”

For Tonga Football Association Head of Women’s Football, Sepi Vea, Tenifa’s journey demonstrates the long-term value of investing in young leaders.

“Seeing the children call her name and run towards her when she arrives at sessions in the Atataa community shows Madison’s influence and how she connects with girls in a way that makes them feel seen and supported,” Vea said.

“In 2025, Madison embraced the opportunity to coordinate the TIHWF programme, which led to a successful delivery and a significant milestone for Tonga Football Association. With Madison leading the training this year, it is a proud moment for Women’s Football, witnessing her growth through the programme from being a coach, to a co-facilitator, and now a lead trainer and facilitator.”

OFC Women’s Football Programme Officer Matelita Vuakoso has also witnessed Tenifa’s development over the past two years.

“Madison’s commitment reflects the next generation of leaders in football development,” Vuakoso said.

“Over the past two years of working with her as a trainer, I have seen tremendous growth in both her confidence and leadership. She is proactive in developing herself, and ambassadors like Madison challenge us to keep creating opportunities and mentoring future leaders so they can continue to grow and thrive.”

For Tenifa, her work extends beyond football sessions and coaching courses. It is about creating opportunities for girls who may face the same challenges she once experienced.

“In Tonga, you do not always receive support from your family or the wider community when you play football,” she said. “I want to be a role model because my own family did not always see the value of football or understand how it could benefit my future. I want to show them that I can build a life through football and that this programme has given me hope to pursue my dreams.”

Her message to young girls is simple but powerful:

“There is always hope in every dream. There is no limit to what you can pursue, and no dream is too big. Dream it, act on it, and one day you will achieve it.”

As coaches return to their communities following the course, they carry with them new skills, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to creating positive experiences for young people through football. At the same time, Madison Tenifa’s journey serves as a powerful example of how football can develop not only players, but confident leaders capable of inspiring change throughout their communities.