Winners receive Arsenal merchandise

Johann Bezzina, winner of the Emirates Young Footballer Challenge 2007, from the Hibs nursery, and runner-up Jurgen Debono, from Naxxar Lions, have just received their first consignment of Arsenal FC official merchandise. They had selected their preferred items from the mail order catalogue as part of their prize.

The presentation was carried out by Richard Felice Pace, chairman of Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC), in Sta Venera.

He said: "The Emirates Young Footballer Challenge offers keen young players an added opportunity to participate in a friendly atmosphere with some of Malta's top nursery clubs. The presence of two Arsenal FC coaches in Malta last May enhanced this unique football event."

This was the first time that the Young Footballer Challenge was organised by the Arsenal Supporters Club.

"The Challenge was organised here and sponsored by Emirates since 2002," Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, said.

"The 2008 edition should be even better. We are already in discussions with AMSC to find ways how we can further improve this competition."