Malta benefits from HatTrick assistance

The construction of new football facilities and the renovation of existing ones has been a priority of the Malta Football Association (MFA) for some time now.

This work is being carried out in conjunction with UEFA's HatTrick programme, which is aimed at consolidating the football infrastructure of all member associations, including Malta. As part of this ambitious project, four new artificial pitches, including two at new football grounds in different parts of Malta, were inaugurated recently by MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo.

Footballers, including the very young working their way up in the game, will be able to use these facilities to hone their skills while also being assisted in their social and educational development. These points were highlighted by Darmanin Demajo, who is also overseeing investment into the latest technologies designed to assist coaches gain optimum physical and mental conditions.

"In this fast changing world, staying the same means falling behind, especially at a technical level where we have to stay abreast of current developments and practices," the MFA president told UEFA.com. "We will be giving professional education top priority and new investment is planned."

A Sport Science Centre is in the pipeline, together with investment in video coverage and editing facilities, mental preparation and the ongoing education of coaches and players. Indeed, the MFA is committed to pursuing the construction and rennvation of club facilities for the benefit of the football family of Malta and Gozo. This is also in line with the new administration's policy of making the country's clubs its focal point.

In other news, Ray Farrugia has returned to the helm of Malta's Under-21 team, succeeding Edwin Camilleri to reassume a post he held between 1998 and 2002. "It will be a tough challenge but I am ready to put everything into it," said the 55-year-old, who has had spells at Pietà Hotspurs FC, Marsaxlokk FC and Sliema Wanderers FC over the past eight years. "I have faith in my new squad."