Tonga’s U-15 side were put through their paces by Noonan who featured as a goalkeeper in the famed 1999 USA World Cup squad.
The session was an added treat for the goalkeepers to whom Noonan could also pass on some of her technical expertise.
“This session was fabulous,” said Noonan. “The girls were super plugged-in, and I really appreciated their focus and energy.
“If they (players and coaches) continue to work like this they should start to elevate their game in the Oceania region. Further investment in youth will help them in the years to come.”
The visit has been organised by the Embassy of the United States of America in Suva, Fiji – the nearest US representation – in conjunction with the Tonga FA.
“The programme is basically sports diplomacy and uses former players promoting the game of soccer and life skills through soccer,” added Noonan.
Noonan spent the morning indoors instructing local coaches in the benefits and options for fitness training. She will also spend the second day of her visit at local schools passing on knowledge about the importance of wellness.
“This morning was excellent and the local coaches were very eager to take in the information, and pass on aspects of the programme.”
Noonan, along with former long-serving USA star forward Cobi Jones, was last week in Suva to run similar sessions with the Fiji FA.

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