It’s a ball game... A young player escort reaches out to take the match ball as the officials react instinctively to save the day. This endearing moment, captured by Malta FA photographer Paul Zammit Cutajar, occurred only minutes before the start of Monday’s Euro 2016 qualifier between Malta and Italy at the National Stadium.

The Malta FA Technical Centre is organising a course for parents of young players as part of its commitment to broaden its football education to all the stakeholders.

“As coaches and players are more educated about the game, the parent needs to be part of this strategy and be a positive partner in their son/daughter’s development,” the Malta FA said in a statement.

“Parents have a strong influence on their children and they need to sustain further development rather than stifle their own child’s growth.

“The football parent is enabled to nurture a range of competences which in turn allows the child to develop in a more stable environment.”

The education department within the MFA Technical Centre will be holding a four-session course titled ‘The Football Parent’.

This short course will cover topics of long-term player development, nutrition, psychology, registration rules, dealing with injuries and how to review winning in their child’s development.

All lecturers are experts in their field and the candidates are expected to be actively involved in the course. Sessions will be held on November 17-18 and December 1-2 from 4.30pm till 8.30pm.

Closing date for applications is November 4.