UK supports development of Women in Football in Tonga [1]
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 10:28
Tonga’s Ambassador for Women in Football, Lositika Feke, a 20 year-old striker of Tonga’s national women’s football team, the Mataliki, returned from a sports diplomatic programme in Sydney, where she joined representatives from the 11 member countries of the Oceania Football Association during the FIFA Women's Football World Cup.
She was funded by the British High Commission in Tonga to participate in the programme, which included training workshops, a special sports diplomacy programme, as well as sessions with the England women’s national football team, the Lionesses.
“Lositika was happy to have met the Vice President for FIFA,” reported the Tonga Football Association (TFA).
“While on the sojourn programme, Ms Feke had the honour of meeting the UK Minister for Sport, Tourism and Civil Society, and Minister for Equalities, the Rt. Hon. Stuart Andrew and visited a school in Australia that prioritised children’s talents in sports, encouraging them to pursue activities that strengthened and developed their capabilities. She also met inspirational women leaders behind the British Lionesses, who shared their career journeys,” TFA stated.
Officials of the Tonga Football Association (TFA) welcomed the British High Commissioner, H.E Ms. Lucy Jones, to the Tonga Football Academy, on the Valungofulu grounds, on 26 September, to thank her for the support, ahead of a visit to Tonga by a VIP from the United Kingdom, expected on 12 October.
The President of the Tonga Football Association (TFA), Lord Ve’ehala, and the Secretary-General Mr. Lui ‘Aho talked about current projects and briefed the High Commissioner on the different football-related development projects in Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u, and plans for the two Niuas, in addition to ongoing construction of a mini-stadium and facilities for hosting national and regional tournaments.
Lord Ve’ehala welcomed the dialogue and collaboration with the UK High Commissioner. Also present was the Chairperson of Women in Football, Mrs. Tupou Pasikala-Fiu.
The High Commissioner congratulated the Tonga Football Association on their efforts to boost sport development as well as support building the capacity of youth and women in Tonga. She welcomed continued collaboration in key areas of need.