Tonga sow seeds of cricket development

The Tonga Cricket Association (TCA) has unearthed a novel and practical way of generating non-ICC revenue and boosting its income - farming. The TCA has leased several hectares of farmland on Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, and has just planted their first crop of yam. The TCA then will harvest and sell the yams, and other staple crops to create vital cash flow for their expanding junior cricket development program.

TCA President, Peato Takai, stated that the novel approach to generating vital income for the TCA was simply making use of what was available: "Tonga is only a small country and traditional forms of revenue such as sponsorship and government support is relatively hard to obtain. Therefore, we decided to take on a project of which everyone in TCA can have input. For those who are willing to get their hands dirty, the rewards are there in front of you. We must show the
rest of Tonga that the TCA is self-sufficient and that we can stand on our own two feet"
On a recent visit to Tonga, EAP Member Support and Compliance Officer, Andrew Knott, witnessed the first crop of yams being planted.
"This project demonstrates that there are many ways to generate income outside of normal funding streams," said Andrew.

In other efforts at gaining non-ICC income, the TCA have also secured government funding for their national U-15 team.

The Tongan Ministry of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports have agreed to cover the team?s fee to participate in the
ICC EAP U-15 Cricket 8s, to be held in Indonesia in July. Thanks to the Ministry.s CEO, Dr Fusimalohi, Tonga will now be able to travel to Jakarta and have a tilt at becoming the number one U-15 team in the region.