The 30-minute weekly show, which started airing earlier this month, is produced by Tonga Football Association (TFA) Media and Marketing Officer Tia Soakai and includes a round-up of football activities taking place on and off the pitch.
From this week it will be broadcast on national TV, Television Tonga, at 9pm each Thursday and additionally on Tuesday in the prime time spot of 7:30pm sandwiched between the national news in Tongan and English.
Tonga Football Association (TFA) notches another milestone through Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) development program, WIn in oceania, with the official airing of “Tonfoot”, a 30 minutes weekly football magazine style television program screening Tuesday 8pm local time on Taimi Media Network Television and simulcast on BroadCom’s One FM- 88.1.
“Tonfoot” is inspired by the model of “Fenuafoot” in Tahiti and “Vanuafoot” under the direction of Vanuatu Football Federation Media Officer, Harry Atisson. OFC has funded the shows under its media development programme, with consultants Olivier Huc and Johann Bouit providing training to the media officers.
The launch of the show in Tonga comes one month ahead of world football’s pinnacle event, the FIFA world Cup, which TFA intends to promote in the Kingdom.
TFA General Secretary ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi says this is yet another avenue the association has explored to achieve its long term goal of bringing football to the top in Tonga. This sentiment is also shared by Soakai.
“As we strive to build the status of football here, it’s thrilling to be able to single handedly produce quality programmes thanks to OFC’s ongoing media initiatives and field training in Tahiti earlier this year,” said Soakai.
The launching of the show also coincided with TFA’s “Kick STI’s, HIV & AIDS out of Football” campaign under the organisation’s Football HIV/AIDS awareness programme in partnership with Tonga’s National AIDS Committee.
“Football is a great sport. It comes with responsibilities and commitments for individuals and community in general but it is up to us to make that choice. This is where “Tonfoot” comes in. It will not only promote football but also an active and healthy lifestyle,” said Soakai.
Story and photo courtesy TFA Media