During the month of April the Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery was invited to attend a coaching course “Stage”, at Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio’s Headquarters in Zingonia, Bergamo.

This invitation followed a first ever visit by Nursery chairman Henry Bray and Franco Agius, way back in February. Both parties agreed to continue with their meetings, and Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio invited the local Nursery to conduct a four-day stage for its coaches. Five of the Nursery’s coaching staff and the Nursery chairman, embarked on this new venture.

During the four-day visit, the contingent met Atalanta Settore Giovanile coaches, with whom they exchanged ideas and also worked in groups, both on and off the field of play.

The Nursery coaches where also given lectures by Atalanta coaches namely, Stefano Bonnacorso, Eugenio Perico and Davide Pandolfini. Also they were invited to attend a lecture by Giovanni Vavassori (again Genoa coach now), about tactics and team play. They also had time to meet Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio coach Stefano Colantuono, who has just led this club to where it belongs, in Serie A.

At the end of the stage, all Nursery coaches where given a certificate, in recognition for the ideas exchanged between coaches. Sig. Favini, responsible for the youth sector, was enthusiastic to continue with this amalgamation, and is willing to visit Malta in a very short time.