The annual seminar organised by the MFA towards the end of the season, this year held last Saturday at the Centenary Hall, drew considerable interest from member clubs, member associations and football nurseries from various localities.

The seminar dealt with three themes which are of topical interest and reflected the MFA’s stance towards educating the players and club officials against the misuse of medical substances, providing our footballers with adequate insurance cover against injury or other mishaps and introducing saner regulations for youth football with a view to upgrading this sector even further.

Eric Schembri, a representative of Allcare Insurance, dealt with the importance of footballers being insured against the risks from different hazards, which could in some way or other endanger their playing activity. In this respect he gave information of an exclusive insurance scheme at favourable terms that would be beneficial for our players and clubs, including the clubs’ infrastructure.

Dr David Attard, the national team doctor, presented a comprehensive paper on doping. He said that, unfortunately, positive doping tests on local footballers were on the increase this season and the MFA felt that it was vital to raise an awareness among the football fraternity, including the clubs’ medical officials, against the improper use of therapeutic drugs. The need was felt for a drive towards further educating all those concerned on doping regulations and their constant changes.

Youth football was extensively covered by Ludovico Micallef, MFA vice-president and chairman of the association’s Youth and Grassroots Committee.

While giving statistical information regarding the position of youth football in Malta, he stressed that there was need for putting this sector on a sounder footing through better regulations since this constituted the backbone of our football and the future of our clubs and representative teams.

During the seminar the club nurseries were presented with cheques as part of the UEFA grant for youth football, under its assistance scheme.