Malta FA delegation meets Minister for Education

The role of football as a catalyst for positive change, including enhanced education, social responsibility and a healthy lifestyle, was discussed on Friday during a meeting between Malta Football Association President Bjorn Vassallo and Dr Justyne Caruana, the Minister for Education. The two entities are willing to strengthen their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding covering the educational and social projects included in the newly-launched Malta FA Strategy 2020-24. “Football and education are complementary and it is in this spirit that we are seeking to work hand in hand with a key stakeholder, the Ministry for Education,” the Malta FA President said. “This collaboration will be sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding as both the Malta FA and the Ministry for Education recognise the educational and social benefits of football, especially at schools.” Various projects of the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation, which is one of the main pillars of the new strategy for Maltese football, are at the centre of this commitment as one of the main objectives is to increase participation, especially at grassroots level. The introduction of a programme for Football in Schools sessions is one of the initiatives associated with this target while the football curriculum at the National School of Sports will also be discussed. The Malta FA is also committed to consolidating its social responsibility programme (Football For Life) which will be co-ordinated by the Foundation. The Ambassadors Programme, which will be led by former national team stalwarts, aims to promote life skills while encouraging schoolchildren to play football and lead a healthy lifestyle. The Malta FA delegation for Friday's meeting with Dr Caruana included General Secretary Dr Angelo Chetcuti and Vice-President Dr Matthew Paris.