In parallel with the European Commission’s European Week of Sport, UEFA has inaugurated the first UEFA Grassroots Week from the 7th till the 13th of September 2015. During this week, UEFA has asked all member associations to inform, facilitate, encourage and inspire participation in all forms of football.

As one of the member associations, Malta has numerous activities organized for the mentioned week by means of its Nurseries. The MFA Technical Department and the YFA together have coordinated football activities in conjunction with the Football Nurseries.

Pembroke and Marsaxlokk commenced this week of football on the 8th of September when they both hosted different events. The Marsaxlokk nursery hosted boys and girls aged between the ages of 8 and 13 while Melita joined Pembroke for a morning of football.

On the 10th September, the region of Gozo organized another event which hosted children born between 2002 and 2005. These were under the guidance of several coaches led by Mr. Raymond Attard who is an MFA Regional coach. The Gozo Stadium was available courtesy of the Gozo FA.

Rabat Ajax, Ghaxaq FC and Dingli Swallows also took part in this UEFA Grassroots Week by hosting events. The Attard and Pietà nurseries attended the event hosted by Rabat Ajax while the Mqabba Nursery took part in a Sport Malta Event at the Kirkop Sports Complex.

On Sunday 13th, Mgarr hosted the last event featuring their own Under 13 girls’ team and also of Mqabba Nursery who will be participating in a round robin tournament.

All nurseries hosting these events are awarded footballs and T-Shirts provided by UEFA while the participating nurseries will be provided with footballs.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg