A collaboration between the Malta Football Association (MFA) and Project Green aims to encourage football clubs to implement environmental projects. These projects will range from greening and improving the aesthetics of areas surrounding the football grounds to introducing sustainable practices such as water conservation for irrigation.
In the presence of the Minister for Sport, Clifton Grima, and the Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, both entities signed an agreement that paves the way for the implementation of the scheme known as ‘Green Goal’, with an investment of almost €530,000 from Project Green. The agreement ensures collaboration between Project Green and the MFA for the next four years, providing more clubs with the opportunity to benefit from this initiative.
The agreement also includes beautification works that Project Green will carry out at the National Football Centre in Ta’ Qali and around the Gozo Stadium.
“Through collaborations of this kind, we are not only helping sports organisations enhance their spaces, but we are also bringing people closer to the environment in places that serve as recreational spaces,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
“Sporting clubs around the country serve both a sporting and a social role. This is because there are thousands of children and young people, as well as various other members of Maltese and Gozitan society, who in one way or another are involved with these sports organisations. These organisations play an important role in the holistic development of our children. Through this agreement, we are witnessing Project Green provide its contribution — together with the Malta Football Association and its affiliates — to help ensure the complete development of our children,” said Minister Clifton Grima.
MFA President Bjorn Vassallo stated: “These are very exciting initiatives where the Association, together with Project Green, will be working to enhance not only areas within the Ta’ Qali sports complex but also, thanks to various funds and schemes, provide benefits to our member clubs across the entire country. It is a pleasure for the Association to be part of projects that promote sustainability and improve quality of life, and this agreement with Project Green reflects the positive role that the Malta Football Association plays within our community.”
Project Green’s CEO, Joseph Cuschieri, emphasised that the agency is actively engaging with the community, and this agreement will further strengthen public collaboration. He highlighted that more work is being done to regenerate open spaces, making them more accessible to Maltese and Gozitan families.
The scheme will be managed by the MFA. Football clubs interested in applying for the Green Goal initiative are invited to contact the Association at greengoal@mfa.com.mt.