Youth FA Annual Seminar

During the opening speech at the YFA Annual Seminar, Fr. Hilary Tagliaferro, president, highlighted the important issues from last season, which although satisfactory, he still felt the need to remind the nursery administrators to be more observant of the rules and deadlines, while calling for more responsibility in caring for the young players and practice fair play.

The YFA President concluded his speech by stating that due to the increasing number of foreign players, the route to first team football is now more difficult for the nursery players, however, he was sure that with the right attitude, this was still very much possible.

Robert Gatt, MFA Technical Director and Robert Attard, YFA Vice-President, introduced the new setup for the U-13 Inħobb ilFutbol events for this season, which will be played on an 8 v 8 basis. YFA Projects Office, Stephanie Rocco, launching the date of Solidarjeta bl-Isports - football event: 26 November 2017, where nurseries will once again hold a full morning of football fun activities in aid of l-Istrina.

Other speakers included Mark Borg, from the MFA Futsal Committee who revealed that they are in advanced talks with the YFA to introduce this game to youth football through the nurseries, while Andre Arciola, from the MFA Refereeing Department, delivered a presentation on Appointments, Training, Development and Discipline for Referees.

Andrew Barberi, a social worker by profession, and Manager KIDS Programme Richmond Foundation, delivered an interesting session on Understanding children with challenging behaviour, Tony Guering delivered a presentation on Values in Sports and Tony Mizzi briefed the attendees on nonformal education for sports clubs.

In the closing address, Angelo Chetcuti, MFA general secretary, emphasised that the MFA was looking forward for feedback and ideas from nursery administrators to improve the game, as they value their experience and dedication to the grassroots.

The MFA General Secretary assured those present that they are looking for a system to ensure a direct dialogue between the nurseries and the MFA, through the Youth Football Association.

The seminar, held at the Palace Hotel in Sliema, was concluded with a networking lunch, involving all participating administrators, coaches and officials. Matthew Paris, MFA Vice President, was also in attendance.