Maltese coaches attend Frankfurt symposium

Joe Micallef, Paul Zammit and Jimmy Briffa, three members of the Malta Football Coaches Association (MFCA), attended the 29th symposium in Frankfurt, organised by the Alliance of European Football Coaches Association (UEFT), between October 25 and 29.

Over 254 coaches from all FIFA confederations, including nation-al team coaches, were greeted by Jozef Venglos, president of the UEFT and Hans Georg Moldenhauer, vice-president of the German FA. The first presentation was delivered by Jean Michael Benezet, FIFA technical director on Development Programmes.

The three Maltese coaches also took part in a practical session by Heiko Herrlich, the Germany U-19 head coach, and Frank Engel, head coach of the U-18 German team.

The concluding lectures were given by Ralf Rangnick, coach of Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim, who spoke about the development from grassroots football up to the top while ex-Germany international Matthias Sammer, now the German FA's director of sports, talked about the promotion of elite players.

Fatih Terim, Turkey's national coach, gave his personal impressions on Euro 2008.

Other speakers included Andy Roxburgh, UEFA technical director, and Steffi Jones, Women's 2011 World Cup president.