The newly-established Malta Youth Hockey Association (MYHA) is launching a series of events aimed at promoting the sport as a recreational and healthy activity which goes beyond the game's competitive aspect.

Recently, young players joined coaches, officials and volunteers at the National Hockey Centre to participate in the first Friendship Tournament.

Children aged between 12 and 16 were grouped into teams and took part in a full eight-hour match schedule. The event also included a general clean-up of the surroundings, as part of the association's mission to create awareness on the need of a healthy environment, and a competition for the new MYHA mascot.

For the Hockey Umpires Association Malta, the tournament was also an occasion not to miss as a series of talks were held and 11 new members were enrolled.

All funds raised on the day will now be re-invested in the youth sector, with the aim of improving the facilities, coaching and competition structures.

As the Friendship Tournament drew to a close, MYHA head Manuel Imbroll shared some words of encouragement with those present as well as a word of thanks to those who helped turn this event into a success.