Soccer players "Just Play" tournament promotes end to violence [1]
Monday, December 18, 2017 - 16:47. Updated on Thursday, January 4, 2018 - 16:25.
Over 100 children ended their Malie Va’inga "Just Play" Tournament with a parade through Nuku’alofa, to promote an "end to violence" on Saturday, 16 December.
The message reflects the Just Play Program’s four main objectives which includes gender equality, children’s rights, inclusiveness of people with special needs, and living a healthy lifestyle.
The parade ended with an award ceremony attended by Lord Ve'ehala, President of Tonga Football Association and Australian High Commissioner, HE Andrew Ford who presented players with certificates and trophies.
The grassroots program, run throughout the year, involved 18 communities and over 64 teams for children aged 6 to 16 years playing every Saturday in Tongatapu, said Technical Co-ordinator, Mr Lui Muavesi.
“This is another new pathway for Tonga football to improve football in the future.”
Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua have their own programs.
“Even though rugby is the number one sport in Tonga, Tonga has the biggest academy in the Pacific. Bigger than in Fiji.”
The football seaons kicks off again after a short break on 9 January with a one week inter-district competition where teams from Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua will compete at the Football Academy in Veitongo.
The Just Play program is funded by New Zealand Aid, Australia Aid, Oceania Football Confederation, UNICEF, UEFA Foundation, and Australian Football.