The Youth FA’s experiment of entrusting the organisation of a series of Under-11 festivals, which feature sports and cultural activities, to local nurseries has proved a huge success.

Five nurseries were chosen to host this season’s events.

Mġarr, Marsaxlokk and Ħamrun Spartans had already organised their event and earlier this month, it was the turn of Pembroke Athleta.

The event not only comprised football matches for the young participants but also other activities.

These included an acrobatic display by members of the rhythmic gymnastics club Ritmica, a singing/dancing show by pupils of Stage Coach Schools and a train ride around the Pembroke locality, passing along some interesting sites in the area, and a walk along the new cycle path in the Pembroke Natura 2000 area.

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, chairman of the Youth Football Association and Ambassador for the UEFA Under-17 Championship, took the opportunity to speak to those present about the upcoming international tournament, being played in Malta between May 9 and 21.

The Pembroke Athleta nursery was assisted by the Local Council, Melting Pot Restaurant, Jane Farrugia, Nestle Malta , Nectar Group, Chemimart, General Soft Drinks, Foster Clark and Stephen Gatt.