The Justin Haber Academy (JHA) was officially unveiled last week by President George Abela.

During a short ceremony in Floriana, a new pitch with artificial turf and the academy’s own premises were unveiled.

JHA now boasts its own administrative offices, dressing-room facilities and two pitches with a synthetic surface.

The ceremony was attended by Sunderland AFC officials, led by marketing manager Mike Farnan, and Nigel Holland, the mayor of Floriana.

President Abela congratulated Justin Haber for harbouring the idea of setting up of the first football academy in Malta.

“I recommend this academy to all parents who want to lay solid foundations in both football and life skills for their children.

“This is the academy for youngsters who want to make the grade”, President Abela said.

“The Justin Haber Academy is much more than a soccer-school. It lays emphasis on the holistic development of the personality of the child and the athlete.

“This academy is being en-trusted with the care and the custody of youngsters. In turn, this academy must strive to make them better citizens and not just good footballers”.

Farnan said Sunderland AFC is fully committed to ensure that the JHA is successful.

“We shall have coaches here who will give the kids the right sort of training to ensure that they go through the system,” he said.

“I have seen some excellent talent here and I believe that out there, there are a few others who can really make the grade.”

Haber thanked Sunderland AFC for believing in his ideals and for partnering him in the project.

He said that the correct development of young kids as footballers is essential for them to be able to make the grade in professional football later in life.

“Our investment in the sports facilities at the King George V grounds is only a small token of gratitude towards the Floriana community in which I grew up and of which I am still proud,” Haber said.