Malta FA launch online quiz for children

The Malta FA yesterday unveiled the details of an online-based quiz for children as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations of the first national league.

The quiz, sponsored by Powerade, is meant to educate children on the history of Maltese football and the importance of health and well-being.

MFA president Joe Mifsud explained that, in the past months, an article on football was published in the popular children's magazine is-Sagħtar to further promote football among youngsters.

Martin Agius, sales and marketing director at General Soft Drinks, said that the quiz will also focus on health and wellness, pointing out that Malta is among the highest-ranked countries in Europe for child obesity.

The MFA Powerade School Challenge, which already has 38 teams, is open for students between 11 and 14 years. The participants must form groups of four and study the material posted on www.powerade.com.mt. Prospective participants must apply online by not later than the second week of January.

The competition will get underway on January 27, with questions on the 100 years of Maltese football, the administration of the MFA and other topics such as health and fitness.

The final will be shown on television and the winners will fly with the Maltese national team for the friendly match against Germany which has yet to be confirmed.

Peter Fenech, vice-president of the MFA, explained that the Department of Education had a leading role in the promotion of this competition among students.

Dr Fenech said that a number of Premier League players, including Valletta midfielder Jamie Pace, were helping to increase the popularity of the competition.

"The aim of this competition is participation," Dr Fenech said. "The website will also include photos and footage related to the football league to further promote the sport among our youngsters."

The MFA Powerade School Challenge is planned to span six days but the MFA is already looking to expand the competition further.

"We already have a good number of groups participating and should the need arise, we will increase the days of competition from 6 to 8," added Fenech.

MFA publication

Dr Mifsud said that a publication on the 100 years of league football in Malta was in the offing and due to be released late in January.

The book will explore the 100 years of Maltese football and the participation of clubs and national teams at international level.

The release of this publication will coincide with the meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee in Malta.

Finally the MFA president explained how the arrival of several UEFA delegates, including president Michel Platini, will enhance the image of local football.

"Platini will be meeting President George Abela during his visit to Malta and this will surely be a big boost for local football," Dr Mifsud said.