Tongatapu Island has marked a significant milestone in its youth sports development with the completion of the ‘This is How We Football’ (TIHWF) program across all four of its communities. The program culminated yesterday with the successful conclusion in Lotoha’apai, following Lapaha’s earlier completion. This marks the end of an intensive eight-week journey aimed at empowering young football players through education, skill-building, and community safety.
The program was spearheaded by former Mataliki player Siunipa Talasinga, with valuable support from her mother and coach, ‘Ofa Talasinga. As a 52-year-old mother with a deep passion for the game, ‘Ofa Talasinga reflected on the impact of the program throughout the eight weeks, highlighting its importance for the future of the children and the sport in the community.
“Firstly, I want to thank our Heavenly Father for giving me the energy to still be able to do this job. As we know, this is our village’s first sport, and we are always giving it our 100%. In every way we can possibly prepare our kids to become the best in the future, we will do it including putting them in this good program,” said Coach Talasinga.
She emphasized how the program not only improved the technical skills of the young players, such as passing and ball control but also introduced crucial lessons on safety both on and off the field. “It is very important that our children feel safe on and off the playing field. This program has taught them not only how to play the game but how to stay safe in various scenarios, such as natural disasters or on the field during a match,” she explained.
The TIHWF program also incorporated health education, encouraging young players to stay healthy by making good dietary choices. “During these eight weeks, I have seen many of the kids learning what the right foods are to eat to stay fit and strong. This is a key lesson for them as they grow and aspire to excel in football,” Talasinga added.
Reflecting on her experience as a coach, Talasinga shared that working with young children had taught her patience and the importance of seeing the world through their eyes. “In this type of program, we work with young children, and they always test our patience. I have learned to put myself in their shoes, and I try to pass that same understanding to my daughter, Siunipa, who is learning to do the same,” she said.
The Tonga Football Association (TFA) has been laying the groundwork for future sporting events, as Tonga prepares to host the 2031 South Pacific Games. This program is part of a broader plan to develop young athletes who could potentially represent Tonga in national teams, including future Mataliki squads in this special occasion.
One of the promising young players is 13-year-old Toakase Piei of Veitongo. She dreams of becoming a Mataliki player and found the program beneficial in helping her work toward that goal. “I participated in the grassroots program and started playing at Liahona High School. Joining this program was exciting because I got to play and learn with kids from my neighborhood. Learning new things, like where to go in case of a tsunami, also helps us feel safe on the field,” she said.
With the program now successfully completed in Tongatapu, the TIHWF team is set to move on to Vava’u, where two more communities will complete their eight-week journey this coming Saturday. The program continues to pave the way for a brighter future in Tongan football, preparing the next generation of national players for success on the field and in life.
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