Most of the out-of-contract players who participated in a pre-season training camp this summer are now with a club after signing new deals, the Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) said.

In the off-season, the MFPA followed other FIFPro member organisations and conducted a training camp with the aim to help players without a club find new employers and, perhaps, seal a contract.

“The initiative was also taken up to assist those players affected by the primitive rule that a fee must be paid to the club at the end of a player’s contract before signing a new deal with a new club,” MFPA said.

In all, 30 players took part, both Maltese and foreigners.

Training was held at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Ħamrun under the guidance of qualified coach Renzo Kerr-Cumbo.

He was assisted by Steve Vella, goalkeeping coach Michael Church, physio Aaron Saliba and kit manager Paul Schembri.

Among the players taking part were Kurt Magro, Roderick Bajada, Clive Brincat and goalkeeper Andrea Cassar.

“This was a positive initiative and a very useful exercise for out-of-contract players,” Cassar said.

“This camp gave an opportunity for players like us to show their true worth to clubs interested in our services.

“Now, I’m very satisfied to have signed a new contract.”

Carlo Mamo, the MFPA general secretary, coordinated and organised the training camp along with executive committee members Mark Barbara and Konrad Sultana.

The training camp ended with a friendly between the MFPA selection and Valletta. The latter won the match 2-1.

The MFPA said it has set an ambitious target for next year and wants its members to participate in the summer FIFPro tournament.