€9 million invested in better football pitches for our youths

The Government working hand in hand with the Malta Football Association will be investing a sum of €9 million in the following two years, with the aim of giving all Maltese football teams the opportunity to have, or at least train in modern, synthetic football pitches. This was announced during a press conference that took place on Sunday morning at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’Qali and was addressed by Hon. Tonio Fenech, Minister for Finance, the Economy and Investment, Hon. Clyde Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport and Mr. Noman Darmanin Demajo, President of the MFA.

Apart from these funds, another €2 million will also be allocated through various other schemes such as the Government subsidies on the rent of public lands, subsidies for the use of sports facilities in schools, Anti-Doping schemes, and purchase of equipment and public service workers on loan to MFA.

Minister Tonio Fenech stated his satisfaction that investment in sport is also an investment in the health of the people, providing a better quality of life. “Modern and higher quality facilities will result in better results for our sportspersons. They will result in continuing to encourage youths to participate in activities that lead to a healthier lifestyle, moving them further away from vices, contributing to a stronger social structure for our country”. The minister also reminded that this investment will help in the Sports Tourism sector, a sector that is of high importance to the country that is contributing towards economic growth and new employment opportunities.

Hon. Puli stated his satisfaction that through this investment, all Maltese football clubs are going to have modern facilities in which hundreds of Maltese athletes can train, also over 9000 children that I currently participating in youth nurseries will be benefiting from these facilities. Hon. Puli also reminded that this investment will not only results in a better quality of football in our country, but also will help the health of the people.

MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo stated that two years ago he had promised that MFA would provide spaces for nurseries to train in that are first and foremost are safe. He stated that for that reason has invested and obtained funds through UEFA by participating in the Hat Trick Programme, and partnering with the Government to have all pitches with turf. The MFA president stated that though MFA and the Government are investing in all clubs, it is still the responsibility of all the clubs to balance their books. Mr. Darmanin Demajo stated that on the 31st of March, UEFA president Michel Platini will be visiting Malta to view projects that have been or are being carried out.

Through this agreement, modern facilities with synthetic pitches are now at, or in the process of being completed at: Kalkara FC, Żejtun Corinthians FC, Xgħajra Tornados FC, Għargħur FC, Marsascala FC, Gżira United FC, Dingli Swallows FC, Sirens FC, Valletta FC, u Msida St. Joseph FC. Swieqi FC, Senglea Athletics, Floriana FC, Luqa St. Andrews, Mdina Knights FC, Naxxar Lions, Ħamrun Spartans FC., Birżebbuġa St Peter’s, Santa Venera Lightings FC.

Apart from these Naxxar Lions FC; Mtarfa FC; Żejtun Corinthians; Lija Athletic; Balzan Youths FC; Qrendi FC; Marsascala FC; Gżira United FC; Msida SJ FC; Mġarr United FC; St Georges FC; Qormi FC; Swieqi United FC; Marsa FC; Cottonera United; Birżebbuġa Windmill; Senglea Athletics FC and Hibs Nursery that during the next two years will continue to benefit from using school facilities.

(Photos – DOI – Omar Camilleri)