B’Kara YN Tournament kicks-off — New entrance to premises inaugurated

Birkirkara Youth Nursery held a ceremony in which, apart of serving as an official opening for the 20th edition of the Eurosport Birkirkara Youth Nursery Christmas tournament, also inaugurated and blessed the newly-refurbished entrance which will be greeting all children and youths that train within the nursery’s premises at Infetti.

Various guests were invited for this activity, namely the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Foreign Affairs Tonio Borg, the Mayor Michael Fenech Adami, Beppe Fenech Adami, Malta Football Association Youth FA officials, Birkirkara FC officials and coach Paul Zammit, Committee members of the Stripes Supporters’ Club, all Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery coaches, coaches of all teams taking part of the Christmas Tournament, Italian coaches that are conducting the 5th Atalanta Christmas Football Stage, sponsors, media and all associations forming part of the Birkirkara Community.

Mr Paul Debono, a member of the Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery Committee, he remarked that during these 20 years since the tournament was launched, the Nursery went through drastic changes, most of which positive ones, especially when artificial grass was installed, it was time for Mr Bjorn Vassallo, CEO of the Malta Football Association, to address those present.

Since Mr Vassallo was involves in a Nursery himself, it was natural for him to appriciate the ways in which the Birkirkara Nursery serves both social and technical duties. He praised the Committee, which embarks on new initiatives and takes advantage of all good opportunites that arise, such as the one that lead to the twinning with Atalanta BC, which provides professional assistance. The concept of a clean and safe environment, away from things that have nothing to do with the beautiful game, is a clear indication that the Nursery is understanding and abiding with MFA directives that are there to help Maltese football improve under all aspects.

Mr Vassallo stated that now, after spending lots of money for the higher echelons of the local game, it is time to invest in the basis of its structure, that is the Nurseries. He ended his speach by wishing the Birkirkara Youth Nursery the best of luck in its future endeavours.

The new entrance, together with the new synthetic 3-a-side pitch, were blessed by Rev. Vincenz Demicoli. This was followed by the presentation of limited edition medals, commemorating this 20th edition of the Eurosport Birkirkara Youth Nursery Christmas Tournament, to the special guests.

Nursery Chairman, Mr Henry Bray, addressed those present where he said that during this festive season, Birkirkara Youth Nursery decided to present a gift to many children with this package which includes the tournament, the Atalanta Stage and the newly embellished entrance. Another gift is that given to those in need by all the children taking part in the Christmas tournament with their respective team, with each boy contributing with €2. The global sum collected was then presented to a Puttinu Cares representative.

Besides the new entrance, there are other projects in the Committee’s agenda which should enhance the environment in which the children train and spend their free time. All this could not be possible without the aid of the Good Causes Fund, the MFA, Grass Roots Project within the Youth FA, the sponsors such as Eurosport, the Birkirkara Local Council, the founders of the Nursery, the Birkirkara FC Committee and various helpers that do their part day in day out.

Finally, Atalanta Youth Sector coach Andrea Bassi, explained how priviledged they felt having the opportunity to come down and pass on their knowledge to Maltese children. In fact he confessed that he and his colleagues almost compete with each other in order to be granted this chance. The Atalanta Youth Sector is always please to take part in all initiatives taken by Birkirkara Youth Nursery, and they really hope this twinning carries on for the years to come.