An association of Premier League supporters has just been set up and among its priorities is its belief that it can help to bring back the crowds on the Ta’ Qali Stadium terraces, turning football afternoons into family outings.

Addressing a news conference yesterday at the recently opened Hotel Le Meridien at Balluta Bay, president Marco Barbara said it was felt that the Supporters Club should set up such an association and work in collaboration with the parent clubs and the MFA in the interest of the game of football.

He said all clubs had attended an original meeting on 8 February, but until yesterday, Pieta Hotspurs still had not joined.

Barbara said negotiations had already been opened with the MFA following some discussions with president Dr Joe Mifsud.

He said: “We have made it clear that our aims are to make the game healthier for the clubs and to make it more enjoyable for those watching from the stands. We also want to take national team support in our hands. We are ready to face such a commitment,” he said.

Vice-president Simon Spiteri added that some progress had already been noted on the idea of attracting families to the Stadium. “We are looking forward with great optimism as we want football to be played in the best atmosphere possible, including that of tranquility, with no foul language and no physical attacks. We are convinced that we can attract larger crowds to the Ta’ Qali national stadium, if such an environment prevails,” he said.

MFA senior vice-president Carmelo Bartolo said he was glad to hear such positive comments about the game of football. “The MFA is in favour of such an association being set up. We are well aware that supporters are indispensable to the game of football. Without them, football is no game. Therefore it was not difficult for us to recognise this association and we hope that all there is to be done will be done quickly,” he said.

Bartolo added that the MFA’s main priority would be to have more security. “This has improved but with the full collaboration of the police, I am sure we will have fewer incidents. Together we have to combat those who come to the Stadium to create trouble. We also want to have a serene atmosphere reigning at the Stadium,” he said.

Asked whether it was possible to have cheaper prices, at least in a family package, Bartolo said such things had to be discussed. “No one today can say that the prices are excessive, considering the local circumstances. The clubs and the MFA have exorbitant expenses to deal with throughout a season. But the family package idea is interesting and one has to see what can be done about it,” he added.