Johann Bezzina, winner of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2007 from Paola Hibs Football Nursery, and runner-up Jurgen Debono from Naxxar Lions Youth Nursery, received their first consignment of Arsenal FC official merchandise.

They had selected their preferred items from the mail order catalogue as part of their prize.

The presentation was carried out by Richard Felice Pace, Chairman of Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) at the club’s premises in St Venera.

He said: “The Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge offers keen young players an added opportunity to participate in a friendly competition with some of Malta’s top nursery clubs. The presence of two Arsenal FC coaches in Malta last May, thanks to Arsenal FC and Emirates Airline, enhanced this unique football event.”

This was the first time that the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge was organised by the Arsenal Supporters Club and also supported by the London Premier club, Arsenal FC.

“This particular event has been organised in Malta and sponsored by Emirates since 2002,” said Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus.

“Next edition, in 2008, should be even better than this one. We are already in discussions with AMSC to find ways how we can further improve this Challenge.”

Emirates flies five times weekly from Dubai to Malta via Larnaca in Cyprus, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the Boeing 777-200.

Supporters of Arsenal FC wishing to join the club may call on tel. 21 470145 or write to [email protected]. Further information may be obtained from www.arsenalsupportersmalta.com