General
Implementation of strategy projects and initiatives at the heart of Malta FA’s work
Published: 19-07-2024 20:34
The Malta Football Association this evening held its second General Assembly for 2024 at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali.
The focus was on the Association’s unstinting work across various sectors of the Maltese football ecosystem as mirrored by the multitude of the projects, initiatives and support programmes undertaken during over the past 12 months.
Presenting the Administrative Report for season 2023-24, Dr. Angelo Chetcuti, the Malta FA General Secretary, emphasised the importance of continuity and collaboration as he highlighted the main events and ongoing projects which defined the season just ended.
The elections of the Association’s top officials during the first General Assembly for this year, held on 15th March, represented the highlight event of the season, resulting in Bjorn Vassallo winning his second four-year term as President, while Dr Maria Azzopardi became the first female Vice-President in the history of the Malta FA, joining Dr Matthew Paris and Adrian Casha who were re-elected.
Beyond the administrative aspect, Dr Chetcuti said season 2023-24 will be remembered for the achievements of the Malta women’s national team, who were promoted to League B after topping their group in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League, and the national futsal team who managed to advance to the main round of the UEFA Futsal European Championship.
“The performances and results obtained by our women’s national team in the UEFA Women’s Nations League and the success of the national futsal team created a positive vibe and a sense of national pride,” Dr Chetcuti said.
“These feats should not be seen as a one-off but rather as an important step in our ongoing efforts to consolidate the long-term growth and progress of these two sectors. It is pertinent to mention the finalisation of two MOUs governing the technical and sporting conditions of the players forming of both the women’s football and men’s futsal national teams during season 2023-24.”
IMPLEMENTATION OF MALTA FA STRATEGY
The launch of the strategy for women’s football complements the Association’s overarching strategy ‘We Can Perform Better’ which has now reached its final year. Dr Chetcuti observed that the Association has implemented the majority of the objectives and actions set out in the strategy.
The main infrastructural project is the construction of the National Football Centre at the Malta FA Training Grounds which is now at a very advanced stage. The Association also maintained its commitment to upgrade the facilities at club level with €1.1 million invested in the replacement of eight football pitches through public funds.
UEFA RESEARCH CONFIRMS INTEREST IN MALTESE FOOTBALL
Dr Chetcuti presented a snapshot of the main findings of the periodic UEFA research on the state of Maltese football. The scientific research, conducted every three years, confirmed the high level of interest in football among the Maltese population with 80 per cent of the respondents declaring that they have an interest in football, and 49 per cent describing themselves as fans.
“Football remains the no.1 sport in the country with the game’s popularity increasing from 2021,” Dr Chetcuti said. “While we are pleased about this, we must continue to further emphasise football’s social and economic contribution to the Maltese society. It is also positive to note that football remains the most popular sport among children with a 36 per cent rating, well above the European benchmark of 28 per cent.”
Grassroots and social responsibility are two key areas of the Malta FA’s mission which are being co-ordinated by the Inhobb il-Futbol Foundation (IFF), another pillar of the Association’s strategy. The IFF has implemented several important projects which have been consolidated last season, including the Regional Football Hubs and Fun Fit Football.
DOMESTIC COMPETITIONS
Referring to the enormous work associated with the organisation of the domestic competitions, Dr Chetcuti referred to the number of matches and competitions organised and supported by the Association throughout the season, which exceeds 3,000 matches.
Finally, Dr Chetcuti conveyed his gratitude to the Association’s officials, the Malta FA staff members, club officials and all stakeholders for their contribution to Maltese football.
“The Association's staff is the invaluable human capital that makes it possible to undertake all the activities and events throughout the year,” he said.
The 2023-24 Malta FA Administrative Report was unanimously approved by the General Assembly. Click below for the full copy of the 2023-24 Malta FA Administrative Report.