The development of goalkeepers in Tonga received a boost recently, with a FIFA Goalkeeping Course held at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.
The course, which took place between 9-13 November, was attended by 23 local coaches who are involved in both men’s and women’s football.
Participants came from both the Tongatapu and Vava'u islands.
Tonga Football Association technical director Kilifi Uele says Tonga has a reputation for developing quality goalkeepers, and hopes the course will help to continue that trend.
“Goalkeepers in Tonga always have the heart and physical build to play the position well, but we always make sure we spend time developing them technically too,” Uele says.
“Of course a team is not complete without a goalkeeper, and that is why it is really important to make sure you have one who can play to the best of their abilities.
“I see this course as being very successful because it has provided us with the skills to help fine-tune the work we are already doing with goalkeepers around the country.”