As part of the revision of the Statute Reform within the Malta Football Association, Futsal will shortly be further elevated and granted a seat, therefore directly participate in one of the most valuable bodies within the Malta FA, that is the Executive Committee.
This was announced by Malta FA Vice-President Matt Paris during a press conference on Tuesday on this decisive week for domestic Futsal, with the semi-final on Wednesday between Swieqi United and Valletta and prior to this eagerly awaited final on Friday as the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final rub shoulders with Luxol Futsal, on Monday emerging 6-2 winners in the decider over Valletta.
Photo: Copyright Joe Borg / Malta FA
Dr. Paris also added that regardless of who lifts the cup come to the end of the week, all Futsal teams must be applauded for their efforts and perseverance in not just resuming the season, but also in the way they are raising the bars in the organization, professional set-up and their pursuit to further develop young talent.
Malta FA Vice President also spoke highly for the vast progress Futsal in Malta has endured over the last 10 years, declaring that all the efforts are resulting in Futsal forging a solid foundation to compete at the very top when it compares to other indoor sports in Malta.
National Team was also raised by Matthew Paris saying, “The Association is striving in the development of young talent, as a matter of fact, the recently launched U16 National Team is key to mentor kids from a very young age into the sports and ready to compete and represent Malta at the highest level of Futsal.
“Preparations are already underway for the April 2022 next Qualifying cycle for the Futsal National Team with a complete set-up including the engagement of a match data analyst and in sync with what has already been implemented at the National Teams level in football”, Vice-President Paris concluded.
Futsal Malta Association President Mark Borg lauded the constant support by the Malta Football Association to empower Futsal in Malta, not just when it comes to visibility but also all the efforts undertaken to raise the levels when it comes to development and competing at the highest level.
Perit Borg also commended all three clubs who are competing for this ultimate prize for their physical and mental preparation, moreso their organization level notwithstanding the hardship of having to stop for several weeks due to pandemic restrictions earlier this year and in the midst of the current season.
Mark Borg also declared that the next 10 years are fundamental in the direction Futsal must undertake, where development and infrastructure are key going forward.
“This is a vital challenge we must embrace, we either get stuck or go backwards, but it’s our determination to step up and move forward together to the next level”, Perit Borg affirmed.
During Press Conference, representatives of the three clubs embroiled in this massive end-of-season challenge also spoke up.
Valletta FC Futsal Team Manager Ian Micallef, Swieqi United FC President Justin Fenech and Luxol St Andrews Futsal Club Head Coach Gabriel Dobre all referred to the perseverance to bring this current season to a proper conclusion bearing fruit albeit all difficulties COVID-19 has brought for the second season running.
Valletta Team Manager Ian Micallef acknowledged the fact that during last night’s decider Luxol was slightly better, nonetheless, his side is resolute to bounce back, win Wednesday’s semifinal against Swieqi United and go with all guns blazing for Friday’s final showdown, against Luxol once again.
Luxol coach Gabriel Dobre commended all the efforts undertaken by his committee to keep this group of players together despite all difficulties endured in recent weeks, also praised his squad for the physical and mental strength witnessed in Monday’s decider to overcome a tough nut to crack like Valletta.
Adding, “Last night was an incredible match, but it’s not over yet, we have to be ready for Friday and clinch the title for the fourth season running”, Luxol Head Coach declared.
Swieqi United President Justin Fenech also praised all the work carried out in recent months by FMA President Mark and his team, together with the Malta FA in alleviating all difficulties Futsal clubs have endured due to COVID-19.
“It’s imperative for the game to move forward as we need to develop more young talent”.
About his side’s chances of winning the title Fenech declared, “Our never say die attitude has been remarkable this season, I know my team is the underdog to progress to the final after Wednesday’s match, but there are times where underdogs can bite back”, Swieqi United FC President Justin Fenech concluded.