Hamrun Spartans U-14s claim Tony Bajada Challenge Cup

Hamrun Spartans F.C. Youth Nursery together with the Hamrun Local Council has once again organised the Tony Bajada Memorial during the Easter holidays.

The tenth edition proved to be another success for the nursery with a good number of teams and over 350 boys and girls participating in this event. The tournament which was held at the Victor Tedesco Stadium was sponsored by Globalair, Colgate and Gatorade.

Participation was open for the 2004, 2002, 2000, 1997 and 1995 (girls) categories. No winners were declared in the 2004, 2002 and 2000 categories in accordance with Youth FA guidelines. Hamrun Spartans FC claimed both the 1995 (girls) and 1997 categories.

In the 1995 girls category, Hamrun Spartans won all matches played against Lija/Iklin, Melita and Zurrieq to claim the tournament played on a league basis.

In the 1997 category, Hamrun Spartans remained unbeaten throughout the whole tournament after playing against St Andrew’s, Sliema Wanderers and Paola Hibernians at group stage and against Pieta’ H. in the semifinals. Hamrun Spartans won the final against the Under 14s of U.S. Triestina after a penalty shoot-out.

The Hamrun nursery motto “Never Surrender” was indeed followed by the boys in red and black as they fought back to equalise an early goal by Triestina for a 1-1 result by the end of normal time. After the match, the Triestina officials praised the tournament organisation and showed their intentions to participate in next year’s edition with the 1998 category.

In the trophy presentation which was held soon after the final, Hamrun Nursery secretary Noel Debattista thanked all the participating teams, the Bajada family, Hamrun Spartans FC Executive Committee, Hamrun Sports Complex plc, The Youth FA, the Amateur, Youth and Grassroots Committee, U.S. Triestina Soccer School (Malta) who were involved in organising the local stay for U.S. Triestina and the sponsors of the event for their support.