AFL Tonga

TAFA was recently applauded by the Tonga Red Cross Society for including the Red Cross Hearing Impaired School in its latest sport development program. In a bid to make Australian Football more accessible to everyone in Tonga, TAFA embarked on a 9 week school visitation program which encouraged participation amongst two parts of the population who are often excluded from sport; females and people with a disability.

Throughout the 9 week program, TAFA development officers visited 10 schools across Tongatapu (Tonga’s main island), to conduct Australian Football coaching clinics. In the past girls would often take part in other activities such as singing, or simply watch on while their fellow male students participated in sport. This year, girls were able to learn and develop skills such as kicking, hand pass and marking, while receiving the great physical benefits of sport and most importantly, having fun.

The introduction of the Tonga Red Cross Hearing Impaired School proved a great success. The school’s head teacher, Silongo Fakasi’ieki, along with her colleague Rachel Brindal provided TAFA with a letter of thanks which stated “All students that have participated in the sessions thoroughly enjoyed themselves, whilst learning some new skills. I was very impressed with how you were able to find ways to communicate and interact with these students who are profoundly deaf. By donating footballs to our school the students have been able to continue to practice the skills that you have taught them, this has left a lasting legacy; lunch times are now spent playing football. This is a wonderful improvement and a treasured time by all.

The words expressed by the teachers at the Red Cross make all involved at TAFA very proud, and reiterate the vast benefits that Australian Football can have to the community of Tonga.