The new premises for the Youth FA at Ta’ Qali, promised by MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo soon after his election last summer, were inaugurated on Thursday evening.

YFA president Fr Hilary Tagliaferro described the occasion as ‘a dream come true’, adding that at last, youth football had its own home.

Fr Hilary thanked Darmanin Demajo for keeping up his promise in record time.

On his part, the MFA president described the day as important and historic. “After 30 years, the YFA has its own home which it richly deserves.” He added that the MFA intends to continue investing at grassroots level and it was also its aim to help its clubs, on the same lines as it has helped the YFA in its infrastructure.

He also thanked Fr Hilary for his great contribution to youth football on these islands, the YFA Council and all those who, in one way or another, contributed towards the success of the Youth FA.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli also praised Fr Hilary for his initiative way back in 1972 when he established the Educational Sports Centre, paving the way for today’s programmes organised by the Maltese Council for Sport.

The new premises were officially inaugurated by Darmanin Demajo and blessed by Fr Hilary.

During the ceremony, the nurseries received funds from the MFA amounting to €152,000, forthcoming from the UEFA Solidarity Funds for youth football.