Bjorn Vassallo, the President of the Malta Football Association who also occupies the role of Chairman of the UEFA Youth and Amateur Football Committee, presided over the draws of the UEFA U19 and U17 Championships together with the UEFA administration on Thursday.

The draws, at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, involved the teams that have qualified for the elite stage of the final tournaments, scheduled to take place in the summer of 2025, as well as those competing in the qualifying groups for the 2026 championships. The Malta U19 and U17 teams were part of a total of four draws held on the day.

Addressing the delegates of the national associations before the draws, Malta FA President Vassallo said UEFA’s youth competitions provide an invaluable experience for young players in their development pathway to the highest levels of international football.

Mirroring the developments at senior level, youth football has evolved in terms of the competitions’ format, raising the level of competitiveness with the introduction of A and B championships incorporating promotion and relegation, and culminating in an exciting finale as teams pursue their main objective – qualification for the final tournament. 

Apart from the draw procedures, Malta FA President Vassallo presented several prestigious awards. He awarded the Maurice Burlaz Trophy to Maurizio Viscidi, Technical Director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), in recognition of Italy’s achievements in UEFA men’s youth competitions.  Additionally, President Vassallo handed over the Respect and Fair Play Award to Norway Under-19 player Aleksander Andersen, as well as the Best Progression Award to a representative of the Danish Football Federation. Both presentations occurred during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2025/26 Qualifying Round Draw. President Vassallo also presented the Respect and Fair Play Award to France Under-17 player Yael Thebault during the UEFA European Under-17 Championship 2025/26 Round 1 Draw.

Vassallo’s role at the helm of the UEFA Youth and Amateur Football Committee is testament to the esteem in which the Malta FA and its top officials are held, as well as an honour for the country in having a Maltese administrator occupying an important role in European football.