The Hockey Association of Malta (HAM) will finally realise one of its main ambitions as the artificial turf pitch will be officially inaugurated on Sunday prior to a first-ever international match in Malta between our national team and Cyprus.

HAM officials have been toying with this project since the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, although things only started to take shape some six years ago when the international federation started distributing funds for such projects.

Originally, the world organisation earmarked one project per year in a particular country and a rotation system was adopted to ensure that all regions of the world would benefit from this assistance.

When it was Europe's turn, hopes were running high that Malta would be the most likely candidate to receive the grant. The international association thought otherwise, though and Lithuania was preferred to the Mediterranean island as it was argued that hockey was more popular in the Baltic state than in tiny Malta.

This decision came as a cold shower and the HAM was back to the drawing board to re-draw their plans.

Another European country was only scheduled to benefit from a grant in some five to six years' time. Certainly, no-one could afford to wait that long for our game to improve.

There were some who even tried to persuade the international federation to approve a loan but this proposal was shot down. Other means of generating access to finance had to be identified.

Meanwhile, the national team was formed in 1996 but with no artificial pitches available, the only taste of competitive hockey was only possible away from our shores.

Lady luck did not turn its back on us a second time though. Malta benefited from a grant by the international federation after a project scheduled to be completed in Fiji did not materialise. As a result, that money was equally shared by another two countries. Malta was one of the beneficiaries and the long-awaited project was finally given the green light.

The grant from abroad alone was not enough to cover the expenses incurred to make the overhaul at the hockey complex. Government, however, consented to match the grant given by the international federation and an agreement was signed with the Sports Council.

The rest of the money was obtained through bank loans and fund-raising activities. Officials went out of their way by making personal guarantees to generate the capital required.

The tender was awarded to a French firm but the contractor was found in breach of contract as the original surface laid at the Kordin pitch was not according to the original specifications. As a result, the surface had to be re-laid.

But now, the HAM is in a position to start planning international tournaments. In fact, they have successfully won a bid to host Division D of a European club competition.

Teams from Turkey, Hungary and Serbia will be here for this competition. Rabat Depiro will be our representatives in this tournament by virtue of the championship won last season. This is the first time ever that Division D has been introduced in the European calendar as more and more countries are introducing this Olympic sport.

The match against Cyprus on Sunday will go down in the history books and a keen crowd is expected to pack the compact spectators' area to watch the action. Our national team boasts an excellent track record against the Cypriots with one win and a draw in previous encounters.

It is an open secret that our athletes often dig deep into their own pockets to pay travel expenses and compete in international tournaments. Hockey is no exception and with a national side comprising some 20 individuals, air-travel alone is exorbitant.

The synthetic surface was one of the milestones outlined in the strategy of the association. More work now needs to be done on the Kordin facility which was handed over to the association on a 49-year lease some three years ago.

Dressing rooms need to be upgraded and some form of canopy, to provide shelter from the pelting rain in winter and the searing heat in summer, should be installed as well.

Youth sector

The HAM is not resting on its laurels and the youth sector is being targeted to ensure that a steady supply of players is nurtured to make their way in the senior sides.

At present, there are six teams in the junior division. In addition, the association organises leagues for the U-14 and U-16 sides whereas the nine-a-side competition has proved to be the right platform for youngsters to fine-tune their skills before making the grade.

In Malta, hockey is still very much a male dominated arena even though the association is planning to recruit Dutch coaches and introduce hockey in girls' schools.

However, the chances of watching a European small nations hockey tournament in Malta is very remote as only Cyprus has a national team.

Luxembourg has one club that plays in the German league. Otherwise, the likes of Andorra, San Marino and even Iceland do not practice hockey.

The HAM is also well aware of the maintenance costs that are required for the premises.

Discussions are underway with the Malta FA to explore the possibility of some of the junior fixtures to be played at the hockey complex.

In addition, the association will be marketing its facility abroad as a potential venue for training camps. Another national association is paying back its dues by contributing to sports tourism.