Calls for Overseas-Based Tongan Players as Preparations Include US Tours and Tryouts
The Tonga Football Association (TFA) has officially launched its preparations for what promises to be an exciting and competitive 2025 season, focusing on the OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) tournaments. After strong performances in 2024, the TFA is inviting overseas-based players with Tongan heritage to express interest in representing the country. Alongside domestic preparations, an international tour to the United States is set to be a major part of the team’s buildup.
The influence of overseas-based players during the 2024 tournaments played a critical role in elevating the standard of Tonga’s football teams. Players from professional and semi-professional clubs abroad brought invaluable experience, helping Tonga compete more fiercely against regional powerhouses. Their tactical knowledge and exposure to high-level football were instrumental in improving the overall team performance across various age groups.
Heading into 2025, the TFA is doubling down on this strategy, seeking more overseas talent to strengthen its squads. The association is inviting all players with Tongan heritage whether through parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents to apply for Tongan passports and register their interest in playing for Tonga next year. With the first tournament starting as early as March, TFA is keen to assemble the strongest possible teams across all age divisions, Women’s and Men’s.
US Tours and International Tryouts in 2025
As part of its 2025 preparations, the TFA has planned a series of international tours and tryouts scheduled to take place in the United States. These tours will provide crucial opportunities for overseas-based players to showcase their talents and earn a spot on Tonga’s national teams ahed of their actual OFC Tournaments. Here are the planned tours to the United States
- U19 Women’s Team Tryouts
- U16 Women’s Team Tour
- Men’s Senior Team Tour
Upcoming 2025 Tournaments
Tonga is confirmed to participate in several key tournaments across different age groups and competitions. Here’s a look at the major tournaments scheduled for next year:
| Tournament | Location | Dates |
| OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 – Qualifying | Tonga | 7-13 March 2025 |
| OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 – Qualifying | Tonga | 3-9 May 2025 |
| OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 | Fiji | 4-19 July 2025 |
| OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2025 | Samoa | 1-14 August 2025 |
| FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers, Match Day 1 & 2 | Cook Islands | 24 November – 2 December 2025 |
These competitions provide a platform for Tonga to not only compete at the highest level within Oceania but also give the chance to qualify for global events, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
While the contribution of overseas-based players is pivotal, the TFA is equally focused on developing local talent. In line with this, the association has rolled out new training programs and coaching initiatives designed to elevate the skill levels of domestic players. By offering these players exposure to high-level coaching and competitions, the TFA is committed to ensuring that local talent can compete with their overseas counterparts.
The goal is to blend international experience with homegrown talent, creating teams that are both competitive and cohesive. This approach was highly successful in 2024, and the TFA hopes to replicate that balance again in 2025, with the added boost of early and intensive preparations.
How to Apply and Get Involved
The TFA is actively encouraging overseas-based players to register their interest in representing the national teams. The process is straightforward, and the TFA is providing assistance to make it as easy as possible for players to secure eligibility by getting their passports.
For the US tours, particularly the U19 Women’s tryouts in Arizona and the U16 Women’s and Men’s Senior team tours to California, overseas players are invited to participate and showcase their talents. These tours are key opportunities for players to earn a place in the national squad for the upcoming OFC tournaments.
Interested players can find more details on the TFA website or by contacting the association directly on email to our Chief of Football, Kilifi Uele on ukilifi@yahoo.com or The Head of Women’s Football, Adelaide Tu’ivailala on a_tuivailala@hotmail.com for assistance with passport applications and registration.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the first OFC tournament kicking off in March and several international tours lined up, 2025 is shaping up to be a busy and pivotal year for Tonga football including hosting two tournaments. The TFA’s focus on integrating overseas-based talent, combined with the development of local players, reflects its ambition to continue raising the standards of Tongan football. The association’s proactive approach ensures that Tonga will head into the new year with well-prepared, competitive teams across all age groups.
TFA Chief of Football, Kilifi Uele, expressed optimism about the year ahead, stating, “We are excited to unite our talented players from across the world with those being developed here in Tonga. The upcoming tours and tournaments are an excellent opportunity to showcase the potential of Tongan football, and we are eager to see what we can achieve in 2025.”
Players interested in the US tours or joining the national teams are encouraged to act quickly as preparations are already underway for a strong start to the season.
Points of Contact:
Email: ukilifi@yahoo.com (Men’s)
Email: a_tuivailala@hotmail.com (Women’s)
Facebook: Tonga Football
Instagram: officialtongafootball
