The ASA will focus its energy by investing more in our athletes ‑ Karl Izzo

It has already been 5 months since you were elected as the new ASA President. Can you brief us what has happened and what has changed since then?

"My life has completely changed. My role has changed from being the national coach of the water polo senior men to that of President of one of the biggest associations in Malta. We are the only association that caters four different sport disci‐ plines: water polo, swimming, artistic swimming, and open water swimming.

“Together with many stake‐ holders, I prepared a three‐year programme based on five differ‐ ent pillars. As of the first day at the office, I worked tirelessly with my team to re‐build the trust of our members, with LEN and the World Aquatics.

“We also introduced a new role of operations manager who to‐ gether with our General Secre‐ tary is responsible of restructuring the association.

“Also, another step forward was the introduction of three dif‐ ferent committees: the safe‐ guarding committee, the education committee, and the statute reform committee. We managed to get on board quali‐

fied personnel, and I am very happy with their commitment so far. Our next step is to fill in the role of Treasurer which has been vacant for the past years."

Your name is synonymous with aquatic sports, in particular water polo. Speaking of water polo, do you think we can improve our placings on an international level and go further than our previous placings?

"I always stated that we need to invest and change our mentality in the technical aspect. There‐ fore, the association invested heavily in engaging new techni‐ cal staff in water polo in all group

levels by introducing a new for‐ eign coach, experienced coaches and ex‐national players. The new technical set‐up will consist of coach, asst coach, team manager and physiotherapist.

“We need to aim to get better results in all competitions. Our ambitions are high and I believe that yes, we can have better plac‐ ing in the near future."

The new water polo summer season is just round the corner. Can you tell us what water polo lovers and enthusiasts will be expecting to see this summer?

"I have to admit that this year we will have the crème de la crème of water polo. It will be a year to remember for all water polo lovers. Our home‐grown players are lucky to have the op‐ portunity to play amongst these players but most of all to learn and gain experience."

Finally, what are your plans for the ASA in the very near future and are you pleased with how things are shaping up to date?

"The Aquatic Sports Associa‐ tion will focus its energy by in‐ vesting more in our athletes by giving them the opportunity to train abroad and participate in the international fora. We hope that next year our biddings to or‐ ganise various international competitions will be accepted by the respective associations.

“Also, our aim is to have more qualified coaches in the field, and to start our outreach programme within the primary and second‐ ary schools.

“We need to maximise the use of the Cottonera pool. I believe that together we can achieve more!!"

ASA President Karl Izzo has vowed that his Association will focus its energy by investing more in our athletes. Photo © Domenic Aquilina