The recent participation by a group of ten MFA Technical Centre staff coaches in a European Union Life Learning Programme has been another beneficial step for our coaches in their quest to increase their learning curve through such exchange activities. The Maltese were hosted by the Dutch Football Federation at the K.N.V.B. Centre in Ziest, Holland.

The theoretical presentations included the Dutch Vision in football with a range of specific subjects namely to the 10 steps of coaching, talent scouting, vision on youth football, coaching the very young, condition training and international demands in football.

Healthy discussions among the participants rendered the lectures very interesting and interactive. It was noted with satisfaction that there are many similarities between the Dutch and Maltese way of youth development, which goes to prove that the Technical Centre is working on the lines of one of the most forward-looking set-ups in Europe.

During their stay in Holland the coaches attended the Ajax annual Open Day training session at the Amsterdam Arena and observed practical sessions held for the Zwolle FC’s second team. They also watched two pre-season friendlies between FC Twente and Osasuna of Spain and Zwolle and Ross County of Scotland.

On the last day the Maltese group had the privilege of attending the Dutch Super Cup final between Ajax and AZ Alkmar which ended in a 3-2 for the former team after extra time.

In retrospect, one can say that this Lifelong Learning Programme, supported by MEUSAC and funded by the European Commission, was another step forward for our staff coaches to increase their knowledge in this important technical sector. Their contacts with the Dutch coaches and the knowledge gained through such an exchange will definitely help towards improving the local standard of youth development.

This project has been supported by MEUSAC and has been funded with support from the European Commission.