Qormi link up with Fiorentina for youth camp

Qormi FC are the latest Maltese club to forge a partnership with a high-profile Italian team with the aim of creating new training opportunities for young footballers.

Matthew Fenech, the president of Qormi FC, yesterday launched the Fiorentina Campus, a four-day training camp which will be staged at De La Salle College from April 5-8.

Children aged between seven and 15 can take part in the Fiorentina Campus which will be spearheaded by Alberto Bollini, the head coach of the Fiorentina nurseries.

"This initiative came about after discussions our club had with Sandro Mencucci, Fiorentina's chief executive officer, and Bollini," Fenech told a news conference at the premises of the Qormi Local Council who are also backing the Fiorentina Campus.

"During their short stay in Malta, Mencucci and Bollini declared their willingness and enthusiasm to team up with Qormi in organising the Fiorentina Campus."

Alfio San Filippo, Fiorentina's scout for the south of Italy, played a key part in co-ordinating the talks between Qormi and the Serie A club, Fenech said.

The Qormi president explained that the Fiorentina Campus is open to 100 youngsters from all over Malta. Participants will be given a full Fiorentina kit and a team t-shirt plus a certificate of attendance that will also contain a technical assessment by the Italian coaches.

A seminar for local coaches is also planned for the final day of the Fiorentina Campus.

Jesmond Aquilina, the mayor of Qormi, reaffirmed the council's commitment to encouraging sport participation among the residents.

"This is not our first initiative related to youth sports," Aquilina said.

"Our drive to invest in our youths is on-going and apart from the Qormi FC nursery, the council also gives support to the basketball and hockey clubs in the locality."

Aquilina added that the council was prepared to help those who, because of family problems, don't have the financial means to take part in the upcoming Fiorentina Campus.

Cynthia Caruana, marketing director at Quintano Foods, said her company was delighted to be associated with this project through Tropicana Juices.

More information on the Fiorentina Campus may be obtained by calling on 9987-1985 or by sending an email to fiorentinacampmalta@gmail.com.