Beach Soccer

Tonga to make international beach soccer debut

Tahiti made a big statement in their opening match thumping Vanuatu 8-2 yesterday in a spectacular display of aerial passing, flicks and scissor kicks.

Speaking after yesterday's match the Tiki Toa coach Naea Bennett says they are wary of Tonga, having never played them before, and aim to be at their best for the match.

"We take this game tomorrow seriously so I will need the boys to concentrate 100 percent and to play the game like we are used to," Naea Bennett said.

Beach soccer hits Tonga

The launch of a new beach soccer programme in the Ha'apai Islands, Tonga is being viewed as an ideal gateway into football for people of all ages.

The programme has been two years in the making, having had progress stalled by the devastating effects of Cyclone Ian, which hit the area in January 2014.

But during a visit from OFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Development Officer Paul Toohey last week, the Tonga Football Association revealed the programme structure for the next year, which will include competitions for U-14 boys and girls as well as senior men and women.