Over 400 boys and girls from 33 nurseries take part in a football fun event at MFA Training Grounds

“The Malta FA is investing in football infrastructure and in the development of our children. I am confident that with the opportunities being created today for the grassroots, football in Malta will not only be capable to bring constant pitch performances and results through the development of better football players but also make better men and women for tomorrow’s society”.

Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo was speaking during the Football Fun event that was held at the Ta’ Qali training grounds on Saturday morning.

Photos courtesy of www.stephengatt.com / Malta FA

Vassallo reiterated that the idea was to open the doors of the Malta FA to the grassroots level,  and at the same time present all the football nurseries a solidarity payment to assist them in their day to day football and social mission. 

The MFA Training Grounds welcomed more than 400 kids all Under 7, who had the opportunity to play small sided football on the newly removed natural grass pitches.  This event has rekindled memories for many who used to flock to the Marsa Sports Grounds to play open football in the past.  

“Having the children, and their parents in the same area,  and see the children enjoy themselves on the pitches thus doing what they love most, makes me very emotional” said Father Hilary Tagliaferro who coined the term Inhobb il-Futbol many years ago when speaking on behalf of The Youth Football Association.  

Former national team player, Gareth Sciberras, Chairperson of the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation, was delighted to see the children given the opportunity to play and enjoy football in Ta’ Qali, a venue which normally sees the practice  of elite players and not the grassroots.  The event was organised by the Malta FA in collaboration with the Youth FA and the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation.

To continue establishing a sense of bonding and national pride, all participating children were given two free tickets for the next Malta national A team international friendly match against Azerbaijan scheduled to be played on Friday 25th of March 2022 in the evening. 

Through the power of football the Malta FA is working on establishing  life long participation.