The UEFA Solidarity Payments for the 2023/24 season were distributed to youth nurseries on Saturday during an event at the Malta FA Training Grounds.
The Training Grounds were filled with action as a number of children got the opportunity to play on the natural turf pitches.
The Malta Football Association, together with the Inhobb il-Futbol Foundation (IFF) and the Youth Football Association came together to host the annual grassroots football festival, with this year’s focus being on the Under-9 age group.
Photos by domenic aquilina
A total of 32 nurseries participated in this year’s event, highlighting their excellent work and the vital role that they have in Malta’s football landscape and within our society.
As has been the case over recent years, the local youth nurseries also received the funds reserved for youth football during the event.
Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo was present for the event, together with Youth FA Honorary President and Founder Fr Hilary Tagliaferro. Michael Mifsud and Brian Said, both ambassadors for the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary celebrations, were also at the football complex to greet the young footballers, together with a number of National Team Coaches, including National Teams’ Head Coach, Emilio De Leo.
The young players took to the pitch to showcase their passion for the sport, in what was a wonderful morning for all involved, playing in small-sided matches.
Speaking during the event, President Vassallo remarked that it is great to see hundreds of children “with a smile on their face doing what they love most, playing football.”
“The Ta’ Qali Football Complex today opened its doors so that tomorrow’s players, accompanied by the ever-present football nurseries, come and play football in a nice environment and on natural turf.”
“For children there’s nothing greater than meeting others, making new friends, and playing football without any external pressures,” he added.
The Malta FA President thanked the nurseries’ coaches and volunteers, as well as parents for their patience in supporting these children in their sporting commitments. He also praised the work of the Youth FA and the Inhobb il-Futbol Foundation for their continuous work in the youth and amateur sector. “This is exactly where solidarity money should be invested, in grassroots, as at the end the return is always a guarantee and the Association will continue to work hard to support this sector.” commented the MFA President.
On his part, Fr Hilary Tagliaferro remarked: “We should leave the children to play football. It should not be us adults, whether administrators, parents, or coaches, who ruin the beauty of the game for them. Instead, we should always be there to encourage them, support them and leave them free to make their own decisions. This is because with ability and development, they can express their best selves in their lives, including in football.”
The children had a fun-filled morning, having the opportunity to meet others from different nurseries, while also having the chance to play on the same pitches like the national team selections.