The Malta FA recently hosted a FIFA delegation for the presentation of the Amateur Football Environment Analysis, a landmark initiative providing data-driven insights to strengthen Malta’s amateur football structures and support long-term player development.
The Amateur Football Environment Analysis, which forms part of FIFA’s Global Football Development Division, seeks to support National Associations by providing key insights and findings from 185 member associations from across all six confederations. These insights enable FIFA to provide tailored support to national associations and stakeholders, helping strengthen football ecosystems worldwide.
One of the key areas of focus in the global report is the crucial link between talent development and amateur football, as a well-organised amateur framework not only supports the health and wellbeing of participants, but also creates a wider pool of potential talent for the future. The report also provided a data-driven overview of the amateur football landscape, with key insights based on a comparison of structures and football environments in countries worldwide. FIFA recognises that strong amateur ecosystems are essential for participation, retention, and elite development.
The analysis will contribute to the Malta FA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots participation, enhance player pathways, and further develop sustainable amateur football structures across the country. A Malta-specific version of the report is expected to be published by FIFA in the coming weeks, providing further insights into the local amateur football landscape.
Commenting on the event, Malta FA Senior Vice President Dr Matthew Paris explained that this report will enable the Association to continue improving the local game.
“In its continued efforts to raise standards, the Malta FA recently participated in a global benchmarking exercise – a data-driven process that assessed the Malta FA’s current standing and compared it against peer associations worldwide,” he remarked.
“The findings are already informing the Association’s strategic direction and will underpin the enhanced, evidence-based decisions that the Malta FA intends to take in the period ahead,” Dr Paris continued.
The two-day event was addressed by FIFA Regional Technical Consultant for Europe Tomas Danilevicius and FIFA Amateur Football Manager Raimondas Statkevicius. The FIFA experts guided participants through the findings from the FIFA Amateur Football Environment Analysis, particularly those specific to Malta.
During the first day, the analysis was presented to Malta FA officials, directors, and technical staff. This was followed by an interactive discussion focused on amateur football programmes and environment within Malta, and how the outcomes and recommendations from the report could be applied within the local context.
On the following day, FIFA presented the analysis to representatives from both internal and external stakeholders. Participants included representatives from league structures, Government entities, member associations, technical bodies, and key football stakeholders from both Malta and Gozo.
The event then expanded into an interactive discussion on the state of amateur football in Malta. This session focused on group-based discussions and scenario exercises, allowing participants to explore the findings together, share different perspectives, and consider practical solutions.
The insights gathered through this process will help inform the Malta FA’s strategic planning as it continues working with FIFA and local stakeholders to strengthen amateur football development across Malta and Gozo.