The Solidarity Payments for the 2025/26 season were distributed to member clubs with youth teams and football nurseries on Saturday morning during a thrilling event at the Malta FA National Football Centre.
The Training Grounds were bustling with activity as children from 31 football nurseries from both all over the island had the opportunity to play and enjoy the game they love on the natural turf pitches.
The Malta FA, together with the Youth FA held the annual football festival, with a series of small-sided matches taking place at the venue. This year’s category of nurseries was the Under-8 age group.
This season’s Solidarity Payments were distributed to nurseries outside of the Premier League, since clubs from the top tier have already received solidarity funding through UEFA. The funds distributed during Saturday’s event were provided following an agreement with the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment.
Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Hon. Byron Camilleri and Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo were present for the event, together with Youth FA Honorary President and Founder Fr Hilary Tagliaferro.
The young players from the different nurseries showcased their passion for the sport, having an enjoyable morning as they contested in a series of small-sided matches, meeting other children from different nurseries, and playing on the same pitches as the national team selections.
Commenting on this initiative, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo remarked: “Children in sport and their development are the foundations of tomorrow’s generation, and the commitment of the Malta FA together with the authorities is to ascertain that we make the game accessible to everyone, with the aim of continuing to break down barriers.”
“Football at this grassroots level offers opportunities for unity in a healthy and recreational environment, and therefore I thank the nurseries and member clubs for their dedication in continuing to strengthen the development and skills of our young athletes. The mission of football is not only about national teams or elite-level football, but it must also focus on social change through local communities. All of this is made possible thanks to the tireless work carried out by everyone involved in this sector in our country,” he added.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, explained that through this investment in children, we want to see them active in nurseries, where the benefits include health, education, development, stronger relationships and above all fun and enjoyment, in a childhood that comes only once.
“Therefore, this investment in children aligns directly with the objectives of the NDSF in both development and social aspects. Above all, we already know that it will be an investment that will give us, as a society, far greater value than what the NDSF allocates. Everything starts from something small. The same applies in football, there is no great player who did not start at a young age,” Minister Camilleri continued.
Youth FA Honorary President and Founder Fr Hilary Tagliaferro expressed his delight at the support that football clubs and nurseries are receiving.
“Government recognises the need for Maltese society to have strong youth setups and nurseries where children can strengthen their passion for sport, especially football. I am very happy to see a large number of nurseries and children this morning, playing together and receiving the financial assistance that they deserve,” he concluded.