A test of skills for talented youngsters

The Chelsea Supporters Club - Malta (CSCM) has just launched the third Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge which will be held again at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali, on Sunday, May 30. The competition is designed to enhance individual technique of young Maltese footballers.

During the launching at the Kennedy Nova Hotel last week, CSCM president Joe Anastasi explained that the event provides an opportunity for young aspiring footballers to test their skills individually rather than as a team.

He said: "The Challenge is designed to develop individual talent of 11 and 12-year-olds registered with nursery clubs in Malta and Gozo.

"Each child competes among the best players of same age group from every participating nursery. We augur that more youth organisations enter for this year's Challenge. The past two editions were a great success. The Emirates Challenge has now become a regular annual fixture."

Anastasi added that Chelsea FC has once again extended its support for the 2004 competition. The London club are planning to send an official from the Youth Training Academy to oversee the event and assist the adjudicating panel.

"In the past two years, Chris Harris and Sean Gore were appointed by Chelsea FC to assist this competition in Malta," Anastasi said.

"This year we are also in negotiations with Chelsea FC to send over a senior personality from the managerial or playing staff for the occasion."

Emirates' involvement

Emirates is the official sponsor of Chelsea FC. The deal, worth £24 million, runs until the 2004/5 season. It is said to be one of the biggest sponsorships in the world of football.

Malta was among the first to benefit from this sponsorship scheme through the launch of Young Footballer Challenge in 2002. The concept was developed by the CSCM in collaboration with the Dubai-based international airline.

CSCM official Chris Micallef gave details of the competition. Each nursery is invited to select two top players: one born in 1991 and another in 1992.

On May 30, those selected will be tested on their individual skills in dribbling, juggling and shooting, according to the Set Minimum Standards of the nursery clubs. The judging panel will be composed of three established Maltese coaches.

The Challenge will close with the presentation of the Emirates Shield to the coach of the winning nursery. Two young footballers will each receive a trophy and a prize of Lm100 worth of Chelsea branded goods.

Meanwhile, forms together with the competition rules will be mailed to each youth nursery in Malta and Gozo. The closing date of entries is April 30.

Sliema Wanderers scooped the Emirates Shield for the past two years. The 2002 and 2003 winners were Matthew Schembri and Miguel Ciantar. In 2002, the runner-up was Malcolm Vella, of Kercem Ajax, and Birkirkara's Andreas Galea was second last year.

In conjunction with the third edition of the Challenge, CSCM is holding a separate competition for children whose parents are members at the club.

Last year, the membership trophy went to 12-year-old Stephen Micallef, a Melita FC nursery footballer.

The club was established in 1997. New members are always welcome. CSCM are recognised by Chelsea FC. Those wishing to enrol may contact Mr Anastasi on 21-383423 or write to the Membership Secretary, 6 Doris Flats, Msierah Street, San Gwann SGN 08.