The Malta FA today launched the Uefa under 17 championship which will be held in Malta between May 9 and 21.
MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo told a press conference at the Excelsior Hotel that this was the biggest tournament ever organised by the local association, one that would bring massive technical and administrative challenges.
The tournament will be contested by eight nations with Malta earning the right to participate as host. It will be played in three stadiums - the National Stadium, Hibernians stadium and Gozo stadium. All 15 matches will be televised live on Eurosport.
“When we were informed that we are going to host the tournament, we realised what a big challenge awaits us. Following the anticipation of discovering whether we would host this event, we now know and realise that a big burden and responsibility awaits us as this is the fourth biggest tournament on Uefa’s calendar.
“Apart from featuring the most promising players in European football it will also bring many scouts to Malta to watch the tournament.”
Mr Darmanin Demajo spoke about the big test facing the Malta under-17 squad as the tournament would comprise seven of the leading European football nations.
“This is like putting Malta in the quarter finals of a World Cup or European championship as only eight teams take part in this tournament...
“Obviously we are concerned about how our children will perform as it’s a big test but I have full faith in our technical staff headed by technical director Robert Gatt. I’m convinced that on the day our kids will take to the field and give their absolute best,” he said.
Mr Darmanin Demajo referred to the controversy surrounding the V-18’s decision to support the tournament.
He said that lately there was negative publicity about the MFA’s association with V-18.
“In Malta we have a tendency to create polemics out of nothing but we, as the administrators of local football, have no problems with anyone. This tournament will give us an opportunity to promote Malta and its culture as every match broadcast of will be preceded by a 30 second postcard on Malta. This is a rare opportunity for us to promote our country to a worldwide audience.
“Like feasts, carnival and politics, football is also part of our culture,” he said.
Malta FA CEO Bjorn Vassallo gave details about the logistics of the tournament.
He said the MFA appointed six ambassadors - Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, head of youth football association, and former players Carmel Busuttil, Joe Brincat, David Carabott and Gilbert Agius, who have played more than 100 games for Malta, as well as current captain Michael Mifsud.
Mr Vassallo said that the final draws for the tournament would be made at St James Cavalier on April 9.
More than 300 applications were received by the MFA to a campaign it launched recently to attract volunteers for the tournament. In the coming weeks it will embark on another campaign “Reach out” to promote the tournament and the development of grassroots football to elite level among different sections of the population, including players at youth nurseries, migrants at open centres, students and media personnel.