The annual Christmas tournament, organised by the Birkirkara FC youth nursery, kicks off at the Infetti Grounds on Sunday.
The Eurosport Tournament, now in its 20th successive edition, has become a fixture with several nurseries on the islands.
In this week’s launching at the Eurosport stores in Birkirkara, Henry Bray, chairman of the Birkirkara FC youth nursery, expressed his delight at the way the tournament evolved throughout the years.
This year competition will be spread over five days. More than 300 boys and girls will be involved with eight teams participating in the U-12 and another eight in the U-14 tournament.
Bray pointed out the importance of fair play, both on and off the pitch.
“We must keep in mind that this is an occasion that brings together young players,” he said.
“Competition could be tense at times but it is of utter importance that no extra pressure is exerted on the teams by coaches, parents or club delegates.
“The players will get a memento for their participation but all of them will also be asked to spare €2 in aid of Puttinu Cares.
“We’re prepared to make this another memorable occasion for the players but we have to thank others for their support, not least the Malta FA, the Youth FA and new sponsors, Eurosport.”
Bray took the occasion to give details on the upgrading of facilities at the Infetti Grounds.
“We have a fully-equipped gym installed and a completely new entrance to the ground. Besides, we have dressing rooms in ship shape condition now,” Bray pointed out.
“This project will help us provide players with a safe and more professional environment.”
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech will be present on Monday evening for the official unveiling of the grounds’ new entrance.
Joe Micallef, general secretary at the Youth FA, had words of praise for the Christmas tournament organisers, pointing out that it was not only a sports event but also an opportunity where young players contribute for a noble cause.
“To have an event like this going on for 20 years is no easy task and I must congratulate the Birkirkara youth nursery for keeping everybody motivated and enthusiastic about the tournament,” Micallef said.
The Infetti Grounds will be very busy during Yuletide as on Monday, concurrently with the Eurosport Tournament, the Atalanta Stage will also be held.
The activity, the fifth of its kind in Malta, runs up to December 30 and consists of six 90-minute training sessions, conducted by three coaches from the Atalanta youth sector.
So far, 60 participants have enrolled to train under the charge of Atalanta trio Andrea Bassi, Matteo Moranda and Andrea Paravisi.
The Atalanta Stage will also serve as an instructional meeting for local coaches who will get an opportunity to monitor their foreign counterparts at work on the field of play.