Malta FA launches Elite Player Development Project

The Malta Football Association’s Technical Centre has embarked on a strength and conditioning programme for a group of young players and a specific training programme for goalkeepers as part of the newly-launched Elite Player Development Project. The selection represents a mix of players, the majority of whom are under 24 years of age, who formed part of the national squad during last year’s UEFA Nations League campaign as well as others who were part of the Under-21 team but have yet to make the step-up to the senior squad. This project is part of the Malta FA Technical Centre’s commitment to improve the strength and fitness of the players and goalkeepers by way of raising their standards and prepare them further for the rigours of international football. The commencement of the programme follows discussions between Devis Mangia, the Head Coach of the National Teams, and the club coaches. “This progamme, which takes into consideration the training regime of the clubs, is mainly intended to optimise the performance of young players and minimise the risk of injuries,” Mangia said. “The players’ progress during these training sessions will be underpinned by sound scientific principles and data analytics. “We are constantly monitoring the players with a view to offering them further guidance and assistance to improve their level because, as we said from day one, the individual player must be at the centre of our work.” ELITE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – PLAYERS’ LIST GoalkeepersAmara Sylla (Birkirkara FC); Miguel Chetcuti (Pietà Hotspurs FC); Duncan Formosa (St Andrews FC); Cain Formosa (San Ġwann FC); Matthew Calleja Cremona (Hibernians FC); Jake Galea (Sliema Wanderers FC); Henry Bonello (Valletta FC). PlayersJurgen Degabriele (Hibernians FC); Jake Grech (Hibernians FC); Ayrton Attard (Hibernians FC); Matthew Ellul (Hibernians FC); Kurt Shaw (Sliema Wanderers FC); Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers FC); Alexander Satariano (Sliema Wanderers FC); Sebastian Grech (Sliema Wanderers FC); Jean Borg (Valletta FC); Shaun Dimech (Valletta FC); Kyrian Nwoko (Valletta FC); Matthew Guillaumier (Ħamrun Spartans FC); Joseph Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans FC); Juan Corbalan (Ħamrun Spartans FC); Paul Mbong (Birkirkara FC); Jan Busuttil (Floriana FC); Marcus Grima (Balzan FC); Neil Tabone(Żejtun Corinthians FC); Adam Magri Overend (Santa Lucia FC); Aidan Friggieri (Gudja United); Andrei Spiteri (Mosta FC).