by An excess of one-hundred and thirty children had the opportunity to train with those among the finest that Malta has to offer in the Women’s game on Friday. A first-of-its-kind, the event was considered a success in building the relationship between the next generation and the current one, while allowing upcoming players to showcase their skills not just to their parents, but also to the National Team coaches and players in attendance.
High Demand
The Malta Football Association held an open training session on Friday evening with several Malta Women’s National team players in attendance, guiding 131 boys and girls aged between 8 and 11 years old.
The announcement of the event was made just a week ago, which was met by a resounding positive feedback that forced the Association to close its places within just two days due to capacity limits. The attendance on the day was just as enthusiastic, with a wave of children keen on showing their skills and to meet several of the national team players who secured promotion in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League. This as the Malta Women’s National team continues on a positive course for another promotion with two more matches to play at the end of May.
Indeed a long list of players were involved, including those who lit up the Assikura Women’s League this season, such as Swieqi United’s title-winners Sarah Urpani, Shona Zammit, Emma Xuereb and Jade Schembri. Also in attendance were several from the Mgarr United outfit who lifted the Assikura Women’s Knockout, including Leanne Cefai, Yulya Carella, Ann-Marie Said, Maia Debono, Rebecca Bajada and goalkeeper Patricia Ebejer.
Also, involved were Hibernians’ Nicole Sciberras, as well as Birkirkara’s Charlene Zammit, Gabriella Zahra and goalkeepers Janice Xuereb and Maya Cachia. There was also more positive news with Birkirkara’s Stephania Farrugia in action, continuing to bode well for the defender’s return from an ACL injury sustained at the beginning of the season. Sheffield United’s Maria Farrugia was also among those in attendance, fresh from grabbing the Barclays Women’s Championship Goal of the Season award.
The Event
Held at the Ta’ Qali Training Grounds, the event lasted an hour, with children spread across five pitches in groups of two. Around four national team players were in attendance with each group guiding their sessions.
The session started with warm-up drills, followed by fun-games and exercises with the ball. The finale was a match, with those in attendance getting a chance to play alongside those among the finest that Malta has to offer in the women’s game.
While the event was held with the target of inspiring the passion for the sport in the next generation, it was also an opportunity to continue building a tangible relationship with Malta’s current crop of players. Furthermore, with several coaches in attendance from the National Team setup, those boys and girls in attendance had the opportunity to impress not just their parents, but also those making the decisions at national team level.
The turnout certainly suggests that there is a high-demand, which encourages the organisation of further events of its kind. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to purchase match tickets for the game on the 30th May where Malta’s Women’s team will face Cyprus in a direct confrontation at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium at 19:00. A victory for Malta would secure first place in the group and promotion to League B. Those still looking to grab a ticket can do so online.
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