MFA hosting first UEFA B and C combined coaching course

The Malta FA Technical Centre is stepping up its commitment to strengthen the coach education sector and further support the development of coaches as part of the Association’s overarching strategy to elevate the standards of Maltese football.

For the first time, the Technical Centre, under the guidance of Devis Mangia, is hosting the UEFA B and C combined coaching course, aimed for long-serving professional players who want to further their footballing knowledge through coaching. The response for this course has been very encouraging as a total of 24 candidates are participating in this inaugural edition which commenced earlier this month. The seven-month course comprises 240 hours of practical and theoretical sessions, supported by supervised coaching at the Malta FA Regional Hubs or at the participants’ respective clubs.

Herman Bugeja, the Malta FA Coach Education Co-ordinator, said the UEFA B and C combined course complements the vision of the Technical Centre. “Our primary objective is to improve the level of coaching through courses, CPD (continuous professional development) initiatives and experiences that will enable our coaches to improve their knowledge and expertise,” Bugeja said.

“Through our holistic coach education programme, we want to support the development of coaches which is central to our efforts to raise the standards of local players and Maltese football in general.”

Malta and Valletta FC midfielder Triston Caruana is one of the players participating in the UEFA B and C coaching course. “For players who wish to stay in football after their playing careers, a move into coaching is a natural step,” Caruana said. “This course is a very good opportunity. Being part of a course where all the participants are football players is a plus as this will expose you to a lot of good ideas from people who have a lot of footballing experience.

“Combining the Band C into one course is helpful, especially for the active players like myself since it significantly reduces the time it usually takes to do the two courses separately, thus accelerating our coaching pathway.”

Joseph Farrugia, the veteran St Andrew’s FC midfielder, agrees with Caruana. “I want to remain involved in football,” he said. “I am also very eager to improve my knowledge and experience as a football coach. This course is a great opportunity, especially when one considers that the participants are experienced and former football players who have a lot to offer. We can certainly learn a lot by sharing our ideas and experiences, and also learn from the coaches who are lecturing in this interesting course.”

In addition to the current UEFA Band C combined coachingcourse for football players, which is in line with the guidelines and recommendations of the UEFA Coaching Convention, theMFA Technical Centre is organising another five courses during this season. These are the Grassroots Leaders Course (formerly known as CYF), UEFA C, UEFA B Goalkeepers, Football Fitness Coach Course Level2 and the second edition of the Match Analyst Course.

More information on these courses may be obtained by sending an email to coaches@mfa.com.mt