The Teachers and Coaches Training Course, which took place at the Tonga Football Association headquarters in ‘Atele this month, brought together 30 participants from the 15 high schools selected to take part in the programme’s pilot phase.
They learned the main points of ’11 for Health’ under the guidance of Dr Astrid Junge, Head of Research at the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC), and FIFA Instructors Gudrun Grasshoff and Mary Joyce Liu Yak Pat-Agathe.
OFC was represented by Emmie Sope, a member of the confederation’s social responsibility department.
“We are here to explain to these teachers what ’11 for Health’ is all about and how to implement and conduct its features in their schools,” Dr Junge said.
“The more important part will happen now and that is the implementing of the programme by the teachers in their schools. They will educate their children and encourage them to spread the message to their friends and family.”
Those in attendance also included Pau Likiliki, who will oversee the implementation of the programme as project leader for the Tonga FA, and he believes the course has provided the appropriate foundations for a successful launch.
“We are getting closer to the official launching of ’11 for Health’ in Tonga and I think this training is the most important aspect we needed to put in place before we begin,” he said.
Dr Junge was pleased with the outcomes of the course and is confident about the future of ’11 for Health’ in Tonga.
“I’m sure the programme will be successfully implemented because it is fun for children and is the best way to motivate them in such areas,” she said.
The key goal of ’11 for Health’ is to encourage individuals and communities to be conscious of the health issues around them and how they can address those issues.
The objectives are shared through 11 messages:
1. Play football
2. Respect girls and women
3. Protect yourself from HIV
4. Avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco
5. Use a treated bed net
6. Wash your hands
7. Drink clean water
8. Eat a balanced diet
9. Get vaccinated
10. Take your prescribed medication
11. Fair play
The programme will be launched on the main island of Tongatapu later this month and will be piloted among over 2200 students aged 11 and 12.
For more on Tonga football go to www.tongafootball.to

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