There were more than 400 young girls gathered at the Loto-Tonga Soccer center to play fun football activities that led by Kilifi Uele (TFA Technical Director) and the Veitongo Premier Football team.
Tonga Football Association (TFA) is now prepared to re-start the Heilala Manongi which was launched in March this year but then of course the COVID 19 hold up. Heilala Manongi is still in piloting period and now re-scheduled to be complete in January 2021.
Mrs Palu Tu’amoheloa, the Women’s Football representative to TFA Executive Committee followed the Veitongo Community marched from the G.P.S Veitongo to the Loto-Tonga Soccer Center before the commencement of the Festival.
“Today is an exciting morning, not just for young girls of Tongatapu but for all young girls across our islands who join Heilala Manongi,” says Palu ‘Uhatahi Tu’amoheloa.
“This event is one of the most impressive women’s football project that we had and I’m glad that we started today otherwise their interest might drift away because we had been rest for four months. I am so grateful that our Heilala Manongi volunteers still committed,” Tu’amoheloa added.
The Festival started with a Zumba session for warm up and that was led by one of the volunteer.
Adelaide Tu’ivailala, the Head of the Women’s Football also leading in organsing of this festival.
“The laughter and cheerful atmosphere made everyone work hard and enjoy under a nice sunny day.” Tu’ivailala says.
“It is encouraging to see young girls from various communities showing their interest and passion for football, and very amazing to also see their parents were supporting them” Tu’ivailala added.
“We will organize festivals for Vava’u and ‘Eua before we officially kick-off, but next week we will be in Ha’apai to launch the Heilala Manongi, so excited” she says.
Heilala MAnongi reflects the approach the FIFA Women’s Football department have adopted going forward, which considers the individual needs of a Member Association when it comes to providing support for development.
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