Maltese ex-national team player and captain David Carabott is currently coaching young people in football techniques at Skolasport at the Marsa Sports Grounds. Kellogg’s, which promotes a healthy living, is the official sponsor of Skolasport.

36-year-old Carabott, who retired from the national team last February, joined Skolasport in July 2004 for the ‘Summer on the Move Programme’, the summer version of Skolasport. In November Carabott was appointed football coach in the Football Performance Programme of Skolasport.

Every Saturday morning, young footballers aged between 11 and 16 years take part in the two-hour session at the Marsa Sports Grounds where sessions include demanding physical activity and challenging training in football skills.

The young football participants at Skolasport are grouped in two; one group consists of 11 to 13-year olds while the other includes 14 to 16-year olds. Preparation for football games includes physical exercises like warming up, sprints, and ball control which consists of heading, juggling and shooting. The young participants also learn about the rules of the game and how to maintain a good team. Football at Skolasport also involves the organisation of friendly matches and even tournaments to incorporate an element of fun and healthy competition.

Skolasport co-ordinator and renowned referee Tony Briguglio, said: “Skolasport has produced several prominent football players who made a name for themselves in this discipline. Among them are leading national team players like George Mallia as well as Antoine Zahra and Michael Cutajar.”

“I’m very pleased to be coaching at Skolasport. I believe sport instills a passion in the individual and it needs to be explored in the best possible way. Skolasport offers a great opportunity for all those youngsters wishing to learn the appropriate skills and it paves a way for a prosperous career,” said Carabott.