Over fifty promising footballers battled it out for the title of winner of the fourth edition of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2007.
This event, organised by the Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) with the aim of discovering new young Maltese football talent, was held at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali.
For the first time, the Challenge attracted eight girls who came from B’Kara, Marsa, Hamrun, Dingli Swallows, Pembroke Athleta and Mosta football nurseries. They rose to the challenge and showed outstanding efforts in all the set exercises.
Sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, the Challenge featured talented young male and female soccer players, born in 1994 and 1995, from 22 local Youth Nursery Clubs.
These hailed from B’Kara FC; B’Bugia FC; Dingli Swallows FC; Fgura United; Hamrun Spartans FC; Marsa FC; Melita FC; Mosta FC, Naxxar Lions FC, Paola Hibs FN; Pembroke Athleta; Pieta’ Hotspurs; Qormi FC; San Gwann FC; Senglea Athleta FC, Siggiewi FC; Sliema Wanderers FC; St. Patrick’s FC; Tarxien Rainbows, Xghajra FC; Valletta FC and Zebbug Rangers FC.
The Adjudicating Panel consisted of three established Maltese coaches Silvio Vella, J.J. Aquilina and Stephen Azzopardi. Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge was organised with the approval of the Malta Football Association and is supported by Arsenal FC.
Following Emirates’ sponsorship of Arsenal FC, AMSC made the necessary arrangements with the Premier Club to support the already established Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge.
Arsenal FC agreed to send two senior officials from its Community Department to Malta to oversee the event and assist the adjudicating panel. Paul Shipwright, responsible for all partnered soccer schools in the UK and overseas and Martin Davis, Sports Development Officer were invited to Malta by AMSC and conducted two special coaching sessions for all the young participants of the competition.
The Challenge ended with the Presentation of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge Shield and Prizes. Each participant was presented with a Certificate and other Arsenal and Emirates branded gifts.
Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, Paul Fleri Soler presented the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge Shield to Johann Bezzina from Paola Hibs Football Nursery. Mr Fleri Soler, said: “Emirates sponsors various high profile sports but it also seeks to encourage sports at grass roots level. Through this year’s Challenge, Emirates further strengthened its association with Arsenal FC and began a new association with Arsenal Malta Supporters Club.”
“Emirates are pleased to continue to play a significant role in nurturing and encouraging new talent among young Maltese footballers. This is the fourth year that Emirates has sponsored this event and we are pleased that it has grown from strength to strength.”
In 2004, the Dubai-based international airline signed a £100 million sponsorship deal with Arsenal FC, the largest in the history of British football. The agreement also included Emirates’ naming rights to Arsenal’s new £357 million, the Emirates Stadium, for 15 years.
Malta is continuing to build on the success of the previous three editions of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge.
Arsenal Malta Supporters Club Chairman, Richard Felice Pace, said: “On behalf of the Arsenal Supporters Club and the Organising Committee, I would like to thank Emirates Airline for sponsoring this great event in Malta. Words of thanks also go to the participating Youth Nurseries, the coaches and the young participants who have shown enthusiasm and dedication, as well as remarkable talent.”
“A special mention goes to Peter Paul Gauci, the Event co-ordinator for his support and dedication, our helpers, who are members of AMSC, our guests Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis and the Maltese coaches who acted as judges. A special credit also goes to Corinthia San Gorg Hotel for their support," concluded Mr. Felice Pace.
Arsenal Supporters Club also organised a separate coaching session for boys and girls whose parents are members of the Supporters Club. Twenty-five young participants, including three girls took part. All the participants received a number of Arsenal gifts for their efforts. Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis where pleasantly surprised by the knowledge these children have with regards Arsenal and their favorite players.
Interested supporters in Malta are invited to join the Club and may contact the club on tel: 2147 0145 or write to AMSC, 14 Misrah il-Kebbies, St Venera HMR 11. www.arsenalmalta.com