Interview: Tongan women’s football pioneer Laveni Vaka signs professional contract in United States

The 22-year-old football star from Tonga Laveni Vaka signed a professional contract recently with Fort Lauderdale United FC in United States; the defender was drafted by Bay FC into the National Women’s Soccer League, the most important club football league of United States, but recently left the newly-formed side to join another league; the USL Super League, a league planned to start this August to be NWSL rivals for the top-tier league in United States’ women’s football system. “I wasn’t a right fit for Bay FC and I’m so excited to be playing in the new USL Super League. It provides the same opportunity as the NWSL and for women to be professional soccer players in America“, stated Vaka to Oceania Football Center on his new move to USL Super League.

“It is an honor to not only represent Tonga but the Pacific Islands in the NWSL draft“, said the Tongan international – “Beforehand I had not thought about being the first until I was drafted. It truly means a lot to me and I hold that title with my head high. I hope other Polynesian women and men follow in my footsteps“, she added.

Vaka seems excited about the development of the sport back in the islands – alongside her now, the men’s section also counts on a professional player that is Ata Inia: “I have always wanted soccer to become popular back in the islands. It is starting to get there and I can’t wait to see the growth of the sport continue just like rugby has. I want to continue being that role model for them. I hope to one day go back and coach in Tonga“, said Vaka stating also her future plans – “It has definitely developed in the past five years and it is only going to keep getting better. There is always room for improvement“, added Laveni, that also had a twin sister playing in US in the collegiate system, Daviana, that also represented Tonga in the past.

Of course, the goals are high are for the upcoming season in North America – her first in a professional football environment: “I hope to contribute to FTL by helping them win a USL championship and make a name for myself in the professional soccer world“, said the defender.

“As I begin on this historic journey, I carry your hopes, dreams, and encouragement with me every step of the way“, said Vaka towards the Tongan and South Pacific football fans – “I’m rewriting the narrative of possibility and proving that with determination and resilience, anything is achievable. Thank you for being the driving force behind my success. I hope I can continue to inspire you all that there are no bounds for us“, she added leaving a final message for the local fans.

Stories like how Vaka is living gives a glimpse of hope for the South Pacific football community; in the recent years many young footballers have left the shores of our region to develop their game overseas. Vaka, born and raised in USA, live a different story, giving back to her roots and inspiring the young generations.