Focus on youths as 'top men' inaugurate Pembroke ground

The Pembroke Athleta FC ground was awash with distinguished personalities yesterday evening.

Inevitably, all eyes were riveted on UEFA president Michel Platini who heeded the Malta FA's call to inaugurate the new artificial turf pitch and floodlighting system at Pembroke Athleta's well-kept ground on the eve of the two-day UEFA Executive Committee meeting at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Joe Mifsud, the president of the Malta FA and vice-president of UEFA, and a host of UEFA officials converged on Pembroke yesterday but this was essentially an occasion to celebrate football and the vital efforts of all those who dedicate themselves to the 'Beautiful Game'.

As he strolled around, Platini made it a point to pose for photos with every squad of Pembroke Athleta FC.

In his address, Platini stressed the importance of providing adequate facilities where young players can practise their favourite sport.

"I'm so happy to be here," Platini said.

"All the photos I've been asked to sign show me in a bianconero shirt. I was pleased to take photos with all these youngsters but I'm here not to represent Juventus but in my capacity as president of UEFA.

"I'm here to inaugurate this beautiful pitch. In the (audio-visual) presentation, I read that this club was born in the streets. Forty years ago, it was common for youngsters to play a game a football with their friends in the streets but with the dramatic increase in traffic, this was no longer possible. This meant that clubs had to become more organised. FIFA and UEFA are there to help clubs all over the world build good football facilities."

Platini insisted that the nurturing of young talent represents a top priority for UEFA and FIFA.

"Our duty is not to win matches but to help clubs ensure that children enjoy football in a safe environment," Platini stressed.

"This mission is perhaps even more important than the big matches but, obviously, we need top-level games to promote football and to generate money which can be re-invested in grassroots football."

In reaffirming the government's commitment towards the promotion of sport, Dr Gonzi paid tribute to all volunteers whose dedication is crucial for the development of sport.

"This is a prime location in Malta and we could have had another five-star hotel like the ones across the road but we wanted this area to be used for sport," he said.

Dr Gonzi announced that 12 sports associations will benefit from financial assistance through the government's Good Causes Fund this year.

"We want to instil a sports culture in our youths so the government has embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at increasing participation at all levels," Dr Gonzi said.

The Pembroke ground project was co-financed by the Malta FA, UEFA, through its HatTrick programme, the government and the club.

"Today, this club has more than one reason to be satisfied," Dr Mifsud, the MFA president, said.

"This ground is going to be inaugurated by the top man in the country, the Prime Minister, and the top man in European football, the UEFA president."

Alex Calleja, the Pembroke Athleta FC president, paid tribute "to the hard work of the club volunteers who dared to dream about creating these football facilities".

Calleja conveyed his heartfelt thanks to all those who helped Pembroke to see this project through, adding that the support the club received through the HatTrick programme shows that "for UEFA, the small clubs are also important".

Calleja said that the club will now step up its efforts to construct a multi-purpose sports complex near their football ground.