The Aquatic Sports Association (ASA) yesterday signed a sponsorship agreement with Bank of Valletta (BOV) for the next three years.
The deal was inked by Michael Galea, head at the CEO's office of BOV, ASA president Robbie Ebejer and secretary Remie D'Amato in Sta Venera yesterday.
The 2008 waterpolo season starts in April with the Winter League. The preliminary round of the National Championship is pencilled in for June while the Division One and Two leagues will get underway in July.
"We are delighted that our new sponsors have pledged their support to the game for the next three years," Ebejer said.
"Through this agreement we will continue to improve the level of the game in general and that can only be achieved by strengthening the youth sector.
"In fact, last December we had agreed to appoint Sergio Afric as manager of the national teams for the next two years.
"His main task will be not only to help our senior squad butto improve the game at grass root levels through his knowledge of waterpolo.
"The young players represent the future of waterpolo and we want to make sure that they are given the right preparation to be able to maximise their potential."
Afric's dual role
Pierre Borg will be Afric's right-hand man for the national team while Anthony Farrugia will help the Croatian in the youth sector.
Afric will be fulfilling a dual role this year as he will also honour his contract as coach of champions Neptunes until the end of the season.
Ebejer also revealed that the association was in discussions to hold a pre-season international competition for clubs while the senior national team will be competing in the Comen Cup.
Galea said BOV are hoping that this partnership will help to increase the popularity of the game in Malta.
"We hope that through the financial support of BOV, the following of waterpolo will continue to grow," Galea said.
"It is our objective that we help the ASA to improve the opportunities available for the Maltese players to develop their talent and to help in the creation of new opportunities that will raise the level of the game."