A triangular tournament – proceeds from which will go towards l-Istrina – is to be held next Sunday (Boxing Day).

Taking part will be three teams formed from sports journalists, coaches and referees.

Charles Camenzuli, president of the Ghaqda Gurnalisti Sports, said yesterday his association was happy to be reviving such an event after so many years. In the past it used to be just one match between the sportswriters and the referees.

The idea to include the coaches as well has been gladly accepted and there will be three matches on a seven-a-side pitch at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, starting at 12.30pm.

Lolly Aquilina, president of the Football Coaches Association and Lorry Sammut, president of the Referees Association, both said they were happy to have been invited to take part in the tournament.

Aquilina appealed to the coaches to attend although he had already been informed of the enthusiasm shown by ex-players who have already confirmed their participation.

Their team will be ‘coached’ by Manwel Micallef and Joe Calleja. The sports journalists team will be in the hands of Mario Meli.

Sammut said their team had no coaches and they could not divulge the names of those taking part as some referees will be on duty controlling some league matches.

Bjorn Vassallo, MFA Chief Executive Officer, said the association was glad to see part of the local football family uniting in solidarity with those in need.

He praised the Ghaqda Gurnalisti Sports for taking the initiative and congratulated the other two associations on accepting the invitation.

Those taking part will be asked to donate €5. With the three associations donating €100 each, they expect to collect a sum of €500 which will be presented to l-Istrina in the evening.