Sliema Nursery Carnival Tournament 2012

The Sliema Nursery Carnival Tournament came to an end with the Under-14 Final won 2-0 by Melita F.C. Nursery against hosts Sliema Wanderers. A handsome trophy was presented to the winners by the Sliema Wanderers F.C. President Mr. Keith Perry.

During this tournament held during the school Carnival holidays, twenty-one Nursery teams and more then 360 children participated in three age groups namely the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-14. Teams from Sliema Wanderers, Melita, Hamrun Spartans, Valletta, Birkirkara, San Gwann, Paola Hibernians, Floriana, Marsa, Tarxien Rainbows and Pietà Hotspurs participated in keenly contested matches played according to the rules and regulations as suggested by the MFA Technical Centre and the Youth Football Association.

To encourage Fair-Play and Respect, the organizers instructed the match officials to award points after every match for the attitude shown by the Coach/Nursery Officials, players and the supporters of the teams, although there were no particular incidents on or off the pitch and all games were played and supported with the proper attitude, Tarxien Rainbows Nursery were awarded the most points and presented with the ‘Respect Trophy’ by the organizers.

This year the Sliema Nursery administration wanted also to enhance the health and safety aspect of the tournament and therefore a qualified nurse was in attendance throughout the four-day tournament to administer first-aid and give advice to any player participating during the tournament.

To follow the proceedings during the Carnival Tournament, the Sliema Nursery committee invited Ms. Marion Hayton, Senior Football Development Officer at the Leicestershire and Rutland Football Association in the U.K.

Ms. Hayton praised the Sliema Nursery administration for the standard of organization of the tournament and for following the recommendations for grassroots football so that undue pressure is avoided on the young players. She also commended the organizers for the promotion of Fair Play and Respect themes.

To always improve the technical knowledge of the Sliema Nursery staff and also to advice on administrative matters Ms.Hayton agreed that she will return at a later date to lead a seminar for the Sliema Nursery staff.