Foundation training for coaches and umpires in netball is being held this week for over 40 officials from throughout Tonga, at the 'Atele Indoor Stadium.

Starting on 27 March, the training is delivered by Nikita Hellmuth and Karen Topi from Netball Australia.

Officials taking part have come from Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua, joining Tongatapu representatives of sports bodies, various ministries, Public Enterprises and NGO’s, teachers, sports leaders of villages.

Tonga Netball CEO, Salote Sisifa said this training is very timely as Tonga Netball in partnership with Netball Australia as foundation is developing career paths and high performance.

"As good as Tala are doing, we must catch on so that our local programs...see career paths that lead right through to the highest achievement of any Tongan netball player in representing Tonga."

She said this is the first time the training is held in person. The first training was held online in 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that prevented international travel.

Nikita Hellmuth said they were happy to be in Tonga to deliver this training after visiting Fiji.

“This sports diplomacy in partnership with the Australian Defence hopes to equip each one of you with basic foundation skills to return with to the various groups you represent and pass on the knowledge,” she said.

The training funded by the Australian Defence ends on 1 April with a “Come and Try” at Teufaiva Stadium.