The first edition of the FMA Junior Festival
The Futsal Malta Association, in its 5th anniversary, had taken the initiative to organise the first edition of the FMA Futsal Festival, for the first time, for children who were born between 2004 and 2005 (U12/13). The response was quite positive, as the format of this festival was discussed with the partecipants, to make sure that the principal goal will be reached.
In a press conference, the FMA General Secretary Claudio Azzopardi, explained the format and the expectations of this festival, and thanked the partecipant clubs, for their direct participation in the discussions. The final vision of the FMA, is that it embarks on a National Academy of Futsal, after the game of futsal in Malta gains a certain amount of development in the grassroots sector.
The FMA President, Mark Borg, argued on the game of futsal, as a 'development game', as referred also by FIFA and UEFA, to compliment the game of football, in the development of the basic skills, agility and technique, an issue which the FMA Junior Festival is going to ensure, in an enjoyable environment.
The children will be free to choose for which club they want to play for, and are bound with the particular club they choose to play for, for that particular season.
The Parliamentary Secretary for the Sport, Chris Agius, really appreciated the fact that the FMA continued to work for the development of the game, in new sectors, although recently it faced the problem of finding the facilities to organise its competitions. Onor. Agius, in fact, stated that the government will work in the future, for futsal to have its dedicated facilities in Malta and Gozo, while also argued, that it was instrumental that the Corradino contract was extended.
John Schembri, the director of the Shield Security Consultants, which are the main sponsors for this festival, stated that it is an honour for him and his company, to be part of this ambitious project.
Eight teams applied for this first edition of the FMA Junior Festival. These are Luxol, Sliema, Żebbuġ, Mosta, Pietà, Marsaxlokk, Balzan and the Malta Futsal School. All matches will be played every Tuesday in the Basketball Pavilion at Ta' Qali, and in the National School of Sports at Pembroke.