The first girls’ schools football festival of the 2012/13 season under the auspices of the MFA Technical Centre was held on November 6 at San Anton School with the participation of ten schools which comprised 12 teams and a total of over 150 young footballers. This shows an increase in participation as last year there were eight schools and 11 teams taking part.

Pupils from a tender age were rearing to show their skills with the ball amid fun and enjoyment. The bright weather was a bonus which added to the colourful atmosphere at the well-laid out three pitches of the school grounds.

A positive highlight was the participation of Fgura and Mosta Primary Schools with an all-girls team even though government schools are all mixed gender schools. What was notable was the interest of each school in giving their girls an opportunity to start and eventually improve their experience of football.

Each team was under the guidance of the PE teacher who must have given the young footballers a good grooming in the game. In fact, the standard displayed was quite encouraging and the matches provided further evidence that many schoolgirls have football at heart and are guided along the right lines.

The interest generated was very encouraging, with the headmaster of the hosting school, Joe Gauci, expressing his satisfaction at the handsome turnout for the festival.

At the end of the event the headmaster was presented by the MFA deputy general secretary (Grassroots), Maria Mifsud, with a football signed by each member of the women’s national team in recognition of San Anton School’s support in hosting the festival in its pitches.

The next girls’ schools fun Festival is scheduled for Tuesday 8th January 2013 at St Martin’s School with the final day held at the Ta’ Qali training grounds on the 7th May 2013, an event which promises to be a fitting climax to an activity that is fast gaining in popularity among schoolgirls.

Ten schools comprising 12 teams are participating in the Primary Schools Festival for season 2012-13, namely San Anton, St. Martin’s, San Andrea, Chiswick (2 teams), St. Francis – Birkirkara (2 teams), St. Joan Antide, Fgura Primary School, Mosta Primary School and St. Catherine’s School.

Photo: Copyright © domenic aquilina / MFA