A squad of badminton players from Great Britain – representing a group of different clubs and totalling 26 persons in all – will be in Malta this week to play friendly matches and foster international friendship through sport.

The contingent, made up mainly of youth players, travels to different countries every year. The concept under which the squad operates is ‘Promoting Junior International Friendship through Sport’. The intention is to enjoy meeting other youths and appreciate the value there is in international friendship.

Malta is the 23rd country the squad is visiting and the third Commonwealth member. From here, the squad will head to Spain and then on to Portugal.

The British squad will be playing a few friendly matches against local badminton sides, starting with Msida Arrows BC this coming weekend.

The visit is being held under the auspices of Badminton Malta.

Team manager Philip Boyle ex-pressed the squad’s gratitude for the assistance and advice received from the local hosts in setting up the practicalities of the visit.

For two of his squad members, Boyle said, the trip holds special interest since their grandmother was born in Malta.