The Malta Football Association (FA) held its Ordinary General Assembly yesterday at Centenary Hall, focusing on a pivotal agenda item. This is transitioning from the current strategic plan (2021-2024) to a new framework that will guide the Association over the next four years. Members were presented with a thorough review of notable achievements and an overview of the processes leading to the development of the upcoming strategic document.
President Bjorn Vassallo expressed pride in the successful implementation of the current strategy, titled “We Can Perform Better,” which marked a significant milestone for the Association. “Reflecting on the ambitious objectives we set at the beginning, I am proud of our accomplishments during this cycle. This gives me hope that we are well-positioned to consolidate and build on our progress with the next strategic plan,” he stated.
The current strategy focuses on strengthening the technical aspects and governance structures of the Association, setting a solid foundation for future growth. To further this goal, internal and external consultations will commence in the coming months, with plans to unveil the new strategy in the first quarter of 2025.
Infrastructure Development Progress
A significant highlight of the assembly was the update on ongoing infrastructural projects, particularly the National Football Centre (NFC) in Ta’ Qali. With an estimated budget of โฌ12.4 million, the NFC is nearing completion, with a target finish date set for the third quarter of 2025.
Additionally, the resurfacing of club pitches is making strides, with recent completions in Pembroke, ฤฆamrun, Qormi, and Mฤกarr, bringing the total to 16 pitches since the beginning of the strategic period. Resurfacing projects in Gฤงargฤงur and Gzira are underway, while St Andrews, Vittoriosa, and Kirkop are next in line.
Support for Member Associations
In line with its strategic objectives, the Association announced the completion of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 14 Member Associations. These agreements aim to foster football development at recreational and non-league levels through a sustainable model, with a support package totaling approximately โฌ340,000 annually–amounting to over โฌ1.3 million over four years. This funding will assist with areas such as refereeing, pitch leases, and the deployment of paramedics during matches, highlighting the Malta FA’s commitment to nurturing football at all levels.
Leadership Transition
A notable moment in the assembly was the announcement of General Secretary Dr. Angelo Chetcuti’s intention to step down at the end of the calendar year, after serving since December 2016. President Vassallo praised Dr. Chetcuti’s contributions, particularly his role in digitizing the Association and facilitating key reforms in Maltese football, including the successful hosting of the UEFA Under-19 European Championships in 2023.
As the meeting concluded, the President indicated that a decision regarding Dr. Chetcuti’s successor would be made at the next Executive Board meeting in December. The Malta FA is clearly poised for an exciting new chapter, focused on sustainability and growth in the years ahead.
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