A special event was held at the National Football Centre (NFC) on Saturday evening for member clubs and associations to celebrate the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary since its foundation.
The occasion served as one of the final celebratory events of the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary. 2025 has been filled with a number of events and initiatives, including Street Football in the City, the 125th anniversary limited edition kit, football and futsal festivals, as well as the Malta FA Jubilee Cup, a competition that came to a close just a few days ago.
One of the marquee events held throughout the year was the official inauguration of the NFC, held in September.
Photo courtesy of Malta FA
On Saturday evening, this state-of-the-art centre, located at the Malta FA Training Grounds, was opened again for a number of distinguished guests, including Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Dr Byron Camilleri, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef, representatives from the National Development and Social Fund Agency (NDSF) and Malta Development Bank (MDB), together with member clubs and associations.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CENTRE
During Saturday’s event, guests enjoyed an extensive tour of the NFC, allowing them to have a deeper look into the facilities that the centre offers.
The NFC is a newly constructed centre that will offer several facilities, including a 400-seater, Category 1 stadium compliant with UEFA requirements, a medical and sports science area, a relaxation zone for players, an administrative area, conference facilities, eatery, and more.
The stadium has already hosted a series of matches, including UEFA Euro WU17 and WU19 Qualifiers, as well as international friendly matches.
The centre has facilities that are fully equipped to serve as the hub for the work of the technical sector, allowed the Malta FA Technical Centre’s operations and all logistics of the national teams to be relocated to the new building.
The project was made possible through funding from the Government of Malta, the National Development and Social Fund, Malta Development Bank, Project Green, and UEFA Sustainable Infrastructure.
The centre embodies the Malta FA’s vision of strengthening its long-term investment in Maltese football through a strong and sustainable foundation across all levels of the game. The NFC brings the idea to life through state-of-the-art facilities, inspiring environments, and opportunities that support player development, coaching, inclusivity, and the growth of the game, both locally and internationally.
125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
A special event was also held at the NFC’s new multi-purpose hall, celebrating the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary.
During the event, a number of speeches were made, while guests also exchanged gifts.
Opening the event, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo looked back on the Association’s extensive history, the impact that football has had on the Maltese Islands, and the historic 125th anniversary year.
“Football belongs to the people, and it was the people’s passion that shaped its history – a history that today has reached an exciting chapter, very different from the early years from which it began. Times when no one could have imagine that from a game played for the benefit of the British services, the family would grow and expand over the years to become today the largest sporting association in the country, with more than 15,000 affiliates, thousands more involved indirectly, and many thousands more who follow it,” he said.
“Today, the Malta FA is a model organisation that fosters the common good at all levels of our society,” Mr Vassallo remarked, before expressing gratitude to the entities that continue to support the Association, including through the construction of the NFC.
Minister Camilleri added: “As a Government, we supported the vision of the Malta Football Association to develop a national centre for football. We saw value in having ambition not only to participate in sport, but to reach levels we have never reached before.”
“That is why I can announce that we are currently in discussions with the Malta Football Association to support, through the NDSF, new initiatives that will assist football clubs in further supporting nurseries and targeted programmes, so that our children can reach their full potential in football, he continued.
Speaking during the event, NDSF CEO Raymond Ellul, on behalf of the NDSF Board of Governors and himself, congratulated the Malta FA on its 125th anniversary, noting that the event, held within the premises of the NFC, marks another important milestone in the Association’s rich history.
“It is indeed an honour and privilege as NDSF’s CEO, to witness the completion of the state-of-the-art facilities, which I am sure, will be enjoyed by both present and future generations for many years to come. NDSF’s financial commitment towards this project is in line with the Fund’s belief that investment in sports is an important investment in the social wellbeing of our society,” he added.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the MDB for the successful collaboration with NDSF, which serves as a model of sustainable funding in social investment, as well as other government entities which have contributed also towards this excellent sporting facility,” Mr Ellul continued.
On his part, MDB Chairperson Leo Brincat remarked: “The mandate of the MDB is clear and distinctive: to finance sustainable development and infrastructure projects that deliver meaningful social impact, improve people’s lives, and strengthen our islands. The NFC is a prime example of this mission. Its benefits are far-reaching and lasting.”
“This is precisely the type of initiative the MDB was established to support; one that develops human capital, enhances national capabilities, and creates opportunities for future generations. Whether we are investing in health infrastructure, SMEs, skills development, or state-of-the-art sports facilities, our focus remains the same: supporting projects that generate tangible social value and contribute to a stronger, more resilient, Malta,” he added.