Saturday fourth saw the beginning of what is expected to be an active winter season for Youth Waterpolo in Malta. No less than six teams and over 70 players participated in the first one-day waterpolo festival of the season.
Fifteen matches in the U16 category were played over four hours with the participants being Exiles, Neptunes, Marsascala, San Giljan, Sirens and Sliema. Although it was a cold day, all the players, coaches, table officials, referees and spectators challenged the weather in what was described by all as a huge success.
This festival will be one of several others to be organised as part of the strategy set up by representatives of all leading waterpolo clubs affiliated with the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA).
The main goal is to develop youth waterpolo and to keep the youngsters involved, motivated and continually active during the winter months. This afternoon the second festival is being organised for the U14 category.
Besides training regularly with their respective clubs, several of the participants of these festivals also train regularly with the ASA youth selection age group teams under the dedicated guidance of Karl Izzo.
As Isabelle Zarb – acting secretary of the ASA – commented “the pool utilisation in respect of youth waterpolo has increased over the past months, which augurs well for the future.” Female waterpolo is also gaining momentum with regular training sessions being held at the National Pool.
The ASA is planning three activities, two of which will be held at the National Pool with the aim of raising funds for the Community Chest Fund. The junior waterpolo festivals will culminate with the last youth waterpolo festival for this year to take place between 9am and 1pm. Participants are expected to be close to 100.
There will also be a waterpolo event organised by our female players with a training session from 2pm to 3.30pm which will be followed by a game. Anyone interested to participate is more than welcome to attend. For further information kindly call the ASA of Malta on 21322884 or e-mail [email protected].
The third activity is being organised by B’Kara St. Joseph Sports Club in collaboration with the ASA and will consist of an Open Water Swim.
The activity will start at 9am and all those wanting to brave the water for the last time this year are welcome to join. The venue will be announced on Friday 17 December. To avoid the rough sea it is expected that this event will take place at one of the sandy beaches. All those interested are therefore kindly asked to send an e-mail to [email protected] by Thursday 16 December.