Football event highlights diversity and inclusion

All eyes are on the teams and players competing in the UEFA Under-19 European Championship in Malta but away from the spotlight, a group of people from various countries, namely migrants, refugees and foreign workers, came together to do what they love most… play football.

Diversity and inclusivity were at the heart of the latest event organised by the Football Social Responsibility Department within the Malta FA and the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation, with the participants showing great enthusiasm as they took part in a series of small-sided games on the natural turf of the Malta FA Training Grounds in Ta’ Qali.

Monday’s activity served to highlight the cultural diversity of the Maltese society as the participants hailed from several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Gambia, Chad, Cameroon, Liberia, Palestine and Libya among others.

Nikki, from Ecuador, was one of the organisers and active participants in Monday’s activity. “Football unites people and this event is the perfect example of that,” she said. “Our projects promote inclusion and diversity, and seeing all these people from different backgrounds and cultures coming together to enjoy football shows that our objectives are being met. This is very satisfying for us but even more for the participants who are also making new friendships.”

As the participants enjoyed the Beautiful Game, Kyra was keeping a close eye on the proceedings, taking photos in her own special way much to the appreciation and admiration of all.

At the end of the festival, the participants made their way to the National Stadium to watch the UEFA Under-19 European Championship Group A match between Malta and Italy as guests of the Malta FA.

More social responsibility events and activities are planned during the UEFA U-19 European Championship which runs until Sunday, 16 July, 2023.