2012 was a landmark year in the development of futsal on our shores as the sport reached higher levels on and off the court last year compared to previous seasons.
Before, Maltese futsal had somewhat failed to achieve its goals, mainly to be a complementary assisting tool to football and, in particular, introduce new coaches to help young players develop their technical skills.
But, the recently-formed Futsal Malta Association (FMA) has given fresh impetus to the sport which is now being managed on a more professional basis.
In 2012, the FMA, led by president Donald Spiteri, em-barked on a series of new initiatives including better-organised com-petitions besides establishing a clear structure for its member clubs, now numbering 40.
The national championship was also re-branded as the FXDD National League and futsal became the second largest club organisation in Malta, second only to football.
There was an encouraging response to this FMA approach and with the current season now at its halfway stage, it is clear that the majority of futsal teams are being managed on more professional lines.
Most of the futsal teams have also found great support from the football clubs they represent as the new regulations introduced this season make it easier for amateur players to move while also allowing football professionals to play at Corradino.
In fact, this season we’ve already had the likes of William Barbosa, Massimo Grima and Anderson Ribeiro, to name a few, entertaining those present and injecting a new wave of enthusiasm into the game.
The marked increase in the number of spectators also confirms that the FMA is moving in the right direction and that the game is very much alive.
The FXDD sponsorship deal is a significant achievement in its own right and proof that hard work pays off.
Indeed, this was the first sponsor secured by the futsal organisation and both parties are satisfied with the feedback emerging from the first few weeks of this new partnership.
At club level, 2012 remains particularly memorable for Balzan FC (formerly Excess Bidnija), the league champions.
Their title defence is on a sound footing as Balzan ended 2012 on a high last month after climbing to first place in the Premier League as well as eliminating rivals Lija Athletic from the FXDD KO after a stirring second-half comeback in a thrilling tie.
Malta beat Greece
The Maltese futsal team wrapped up their commitments in the quadrangular tournament at the Corradino Pavilion with a 1-0 win over Greece, yesterday.
Kurt Bartolo scored the winner on 24 minutes to give the national team their first victory following two upsets to England and Georgia.
In another match yesterday, England and Georgia drew 2-2. The tournament was won by Greece.