In a landmark event for Tongan football, the Tonga Football Association (TFA) has signed its first-ever Sponsorship Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Custom Athletics USA, marking the beginning of a historic partnership. The MOU signifies Custom Athletics’ commitment as the official sponsor of the TFA’s national team, Tu’ulalupe, as they gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers set to kick off next month.
The signing ceremony took place in Nadi, Fiji on Wednesday with TFA President Lord Ve’ehala and Custom Athletics owner Riley Evans officially sealing the partnership. The event was also attended by TFA Executive Member Suliasi Vivili, along with the Tu’ulalupe team and the Future Mataliki team, who were present in Nadi at the time.
Custom Athletics, a USA-based business founded by Riley Evans in 2020, has long harbored the dream of sponsoring a national team. This partnership with the TFA represents the realization of that dream and a significant step forward for both organizations.
The MOU outlines Custom Athletics’ sponsorship of the Tu’ulalupe team, providing them with game kits, training sets, staff sets, travel sets, fan jerseys, and a cash donation. This support is not limited to the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers; Custom Athletics has committed to sponsoring the team until 2025, further solidifying its dedication to the development of football in Tonga.
Riley Evans, the sole owner of Custom Athletics, expressed his deep gratitude and pride in becoming TFA’s first official sponsor. In a statement to the TFA website, Evans shared his thoughts on the significance of this partnership:
“It’s a great honor to be the first official sponsor of the Tonga Football Association. Not just in providing kits and manufacturing, but in becoming the first sponsor, it’s well deserved for the Association. They should’ve had a sponsor long ago, but I am truly grateful and honored that my company has been accepted to be their sponsor.” Riley to TFA Website.
“Hopefully, we can see many more businesses on the island choose to sponsor the National Teams and help them build from youth level into the senior level, so we can hopefully soon see them play in the World Cups.” Riley Added.
Evans also revealed a personal connection to Tonga, which played a significant role in his decision to sponsor the TFA. “In the early 2000s, my grandparents were missionaries for the LDS Church in the Kingdom of Tonga, and Tonga has always held a special place in my family’s history. I’ve always wanted to sponsor a National Team with hopes of seeing my kids in the World Cup. When I can combine those two things seeing my kids worn by a country that I love and my family loves it was an easy decision for me to offer a sponsorship. I’m so grateful that the Association was willing to accept that.”
Custom Athletics has a history of supporting smaller clubs and organizations within the United States. Tonga now becomes the fourth country to have teams sponsored by the company, following partnerships with clubs in Guyana, Canada, and the USA.
“TFA’s National Team is the fourth country we have worked with. We have worked with teams in Guyana, Canada, the USA, and of course now Tonga. Hopefully, this helps us grow into other nations, clubs around the world, and make Custom Athletics a globally recognized brand. I also want to ensure that the teams we currently represent feel like they are always part of the Custom Athletics family. We are committed to including them and helping them grow with us,” Evans stated.
TFA President Lord Ve’ehala expressed his gratitude for this groundbreaking sponsorship, highlighting its importance for the future of Tongan football.
“Because this is the first time for us, we are thankful to Riley and his mother for wholeheartedly giving us this sponsorship,” Lord Ve’ehala said during his speech.
This sponsorship marks the beginning of what both parties hope will be a long and fruitful relationship. The agreement will not only support the Tu’ulalupe team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers but also extend to the Senior Women’s team in the near future.
The partnership between Custom Athletics USA and the Tonga Football Association represents a new era for Tongan football, with the potential to inspire further growth and development in the sport across the Kingdom.
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