English champions Arsenal FC have brought over to Malta the English Premier League trophy on an initiative from the local branch of their Supporters Club.
The club, in fact, forms part of an international network of Supporters Clubs – around 70 – who are officially recognised by Arsenal FC.
This year is the 25th anniversary since the local branch was established in 1980. But it is the second time that the impressive trophy has been brought to Malta.
The competition is one of the most demanding in the world. It was launched in 1992 to improve the standards of football at the highest level and it now attracts a global audience of over 450 million in 150 countries.
The FA Premier League also commissioned a unique Premiership Gold trophy to commemorate the unprecedented and outstanding unbeaten run by Arsenal as they claimed the 2003-2004 title. This trophy has also been brought to Malta by the Arsenal visitors. And it is also the first time this distinctive trophy has been overseas.
Also in Malta is the FA Community Shield, formerly known as the Charity Shield. It is played for in the curtain-raiser to the domestic English season, between the League champions and the FA Cup winners.
Arsenal are the present Shield holders after they beat Manchester United 3-1 and claimed a record-equalling 11th outright win.
The Arsenal group visiting Malta at present are Michael Thomas, a former Arsenal player, Ms Jill Smith, official liaison officer Supporters’ Clubs and Victor Wright. They are all guests of the Arsenal Supporters Club Malta to attend the 25th anniversary celebrations.
It is well to note that Thomas, who said he was honoured to have been invited to come over, made over 200 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 30 goals.
He had made his league debut in a match against Sheffield Wednesday on 14 February 1987. He won two championship titles and a League Cup with Arsenal, apart from other honours.
He had scored the last minute goal at Anfield which had given the championship to Arsenal after 18 years.
Richard Felice Pace, president of the local branch of the Supporters club, said he felt they had reached their goals set 25 years ago. “This is just one of the opportunities which bring together the club members and we hope there will be more in the future, even with different cups,” he said.
Ms Smith confirmed that at the new Arsenal Stadium, there will be a special section reserved for foreign supporters.
In Malta, the Supporters Club boasts of a membership of over 400.
The programme includes a photo session today at the Fortina Hotel in Sliema to be followed by a reception.
Those who have been members for the whole 25-year period, are to be given a commemorative silver medal and all members will receive a certificate.
This event was made possible with the help of HSBC Malta, Air Malta and the Fortina Hotel.