Malta’s first-ever FIFA Arena mini-football pitch, at Maria Regina College Primary School in St Paul’s Bay, was inaugurated on Monday morning.
The FIFA Arena project is a global FIFA initiative launched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the aim of building 1,000 mini-football pitches in different communities worldwide. It seeks to provide safe, inclusive spaces for children to play, learn, and grow, while also promoting football development and education.
Maria Regina College St Paul’s Bay Primary School was chosen as the location due to the diversity present at the school, with it having a population of around 700 children from around 51 varied nationalities.
The pitch was inaugurated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, together with Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Dr Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia, Maria Regina College Primary Head of School Victoria Spiteri, and St Paul’s Bay Mayor Censu Galea.
In addition to these distinguished guests and officials, football legends Fabio Cannavaro and Christian Vieri were also present for the inauguration, providing the children with an opportunity to meet two icons who shaped the Italian and global football landscape.
Photos courtesy of Malta FA
Speaking during the event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked that is a pleasure for him to be in the school and participate in the inauguration of the inauguration of the FIFA Arena mini-pitch, which he described as a “key launch in the development of this project which coincides with the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary.”
“FIFA places youth at the heart of the development of football, and the launch of the FIFA Arena in Malta will help change the lives of children, providing a safe space in which to learn, play and grow,” he added.
“The vision of FIFA Arena globally is to positively engage millions of young girls and boys around the world, fostering inclusion and using football as a powerful tool for social change. I am grateful to the Malta FA, everyone at Maria Regina College Primary School, as well as all local stakeholders who are partnering with us to provide hope and put smiles on the faces of young people,” President Infantino highlighted.
Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo stated: “We are very happy that for the first time since the FIFA Arena projects were introduced, that the FIFA President is physically attending for an inauguration. This makes this day even more special for the Malta FA since everything is happening on the year of the 125th Anniversary from the foundation of our Association.”
He added that grassroots have always been at the top of the Malta FA’s agenda. Focusing on the new mini pitch more specifically, he remarked that it will give many children the opportunity to play football, integrate, and also put down barriers.
Minister Clifton Grima stated: “Today’s inauguration of Malta’s first FIFA Arena is a proud moment for our education and sports community. By investing in high quality facilities within our schools, we are giving every child the chance to discover the joy of sport, to learn values of teamwork and respect, and to grow in an inclusive environment.”
“Together, we are ensuring that sport continues to inspire, unite, and empower the next generation,” Minister Grima noted.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia celebrated the inauguration of the new FIFA Arena for children, underlining the Department’s efforts in delivering modern, safe facilities that not only support sport, but also invest in children’s futures by teaching values of teamwork, discipline and respect. Recalling his own experiences playing for Mqabba, debuting in the Premier League, and representing Malta at National Team level, he noted the nostalgia of stepping onto a pitch and the life lessons football provides.
Mr Farrugia also welcomed FIFA’s theme “Football Unites the World”, stressing that this project is a “testament to how sport can bring Government, educators, and children together in a spirit of unity and opportunity.”
The event concluded with a short football match between children to give them the opportunity to enjoy the new facilities for the first time.
