The Malta Football Association reaffirmed its commitment to the continued development of football, with a particular focus on youth development, during its Third Ordinary General Assembly of 2026.
The meeting was held at Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali, on Tuesday, 10 November, and was attended by UEFA HatTrick Programme Manager Lorenzo Cavallari and FIFA Member Associations Regional Coordinator Marco Ferri.
Photo courtesy of Malta FA
REPORTING OF NATIONAL YOUTH TEAMS AND DOMESTIC YOUTH PROGRAMME
The Malta FA reported on its continued investment in the National Youth Teams and Domestic Youth Programme, supported through funding received from the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF).
Malta FA General Secretary Dr Maria Azzopardi explained that the programme benefits approximately 10,000 boys and girls between Under-12 and Under-21 level, supporting the development of national teams and young players within clubs across Malta.
Dr Azzopardi highlighted how this investment strengthens coaching structures and youth development pathways, while helping create a stronger football environment and opportunities for future generations.
REVIEW OF TECHNICAL PROJECTS
Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo presented an overview of the Association’s technical projects, outlining the pathway available to young players from school and grassroots football through to elite level.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the football programmes in schools and regional hubs, which provide opportunities for young players to develop and progress towards the national teams.
Through the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation’s projects between the 2022/23 and 2026/27 seasons, more than 57,000 students have participated, with over 4,000 sessions delivered through classroom activities, festivals and leagues.
The regional hubs, first presented in 2019 and launched in 2021, began welcoming their first cohort of players in the 2021/22 season. Designed to identify and nurture talent, the programme provides players aged 11 to 14 with additional high-quality coaching alongside their club commitments. Participants benefit from three sessions per week, amounting to more than 230 coaching hours annually.
The pathway is already contributing to the senior national teams, with 14 players from the last four Under-21 cohorts now featuring regularly for Malta’s senior side. A further four regular members of the senior squad remain eligible for the current Under-21 age group.
The growing number of international fixtures also reflects the increased activity across the national teams. In men’s football, the number of international matches is set to rise from 28 in 2021 to 70 in 2026. Women’s international football has also seen significant growth, with fixtures increasing from 12 in 2021 to 30 in 2026.
Several milestones were also highlighted, including unbeaten campaigns in UEFA Development Tournaments, two notable victories for the Under-15 National Team against Cyprus earlier this year, hosting the UEFA Under-19 European Championship in 2023 and participation in the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival. The Women’s National Team’s historic promotions to League B of the UEFA Women’s Nations League were also among the achievements recognised.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMITTEES
The General Assembly also included the election of members to the Independent Committees for the 2026–2028 period, with particular focus on the Club Licensing Boards and the Electoral Commission.
Mark Scalpello was elected Chairperson of both the Member Clubs Licensing Board and the UEFA Member Clubs Licensing Board, with Dr Antoine Naudi and Carmel Mifsud Borg appointed First Deputy Chairperson and Second Deputy Chairperson, respectively. The UEFA Member Clubs Licensing Board will also be supported by a panel of experts from various fields.
The Electoral Commission will comprise Joe Gauci, Joe Micallef, Paul Spiteri, Mireille Vella and Mario Mallia, with Notary Dr Tim Ellis serving as Legal Advisor and Malta FA General Secretary Dr Maria Azzopardi as Secretary.