The finals of the Primary Schools Futsal Festival, organised by the Malta FA in conjunction with the Sports Promotion Unit within the Ministry of Education, were held this week at the Centenary Stadium.

Birkirkara Primary School emerged as winners of the festival, followed by Mosta in second place and Żejtun in third, while the winners of the Fair Play Award were Żabbar Primary School. This honour is of high importance for the Malta FA since the association lays emphasis on a friendly atmosphere, team spirit, respect towards opponents and referee and behaviour of the whole squad and coaches.

Birkirkara, thanks to the vocal backing of their supporters, also captured the Best Support Award which was presented to the team by Louis Agius, co-ordinator of the South End Core.

Addressing the participants, MFA president Joe Mifsud highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle and encouraged all the youngsters present to keep active and enjoy sports.

Dr Mifsud said that the MFA intends to build on the success of this year's festival by organising a bigger and better tournament in 2010. The MFA president and Clyde Puli, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport, presented the prizes to the winning schools.

The festival was a positive experience for the schools as a spirit of enjoyment and fair play prevailed throughout. There was also the input of teachers and staff of all the participating schools who joined the members of the South End Core in creating a great atmosphere of camaraderie and friendliness.

During the course of the matches, national team players Gilbert Agius and Jamie Pace took part in fun sessions which were greatly appreciated by the inactive pupils.

The finals of the Secondary Schools Festival are scheduled for Tuesday at the Centenary Stadium from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m.