Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, president of the Youth Football Association, has launched his short movie, 'From Street Football to UEFA Champions'.

This movie details the story of football in Malta from Fr. Hilary's perspective, highlighting the birth of grassroots football all the way to the present day.

The Youth FA invited a selection from the Under 12s of all the member nurseries to participate in an 8 vs 8 fun festival, sponsored by Gatorade, before watching the movie, highlighting the birth of the Youth Football Association, under the then MFA President, Dr George Abela, up to the modern facilities which all the nurseries enjoy under the current MFA President, Norman Darmanin Demajo.

Fr Hilary then told the children present to appreciate how much the facilities have improved, a big step forward from the pitches and balls used in his days.

The President appealed to all the children present to spend more time practising the beautiful game, instead of playing on their computers, as this is much more healthy and will help them make friends which last a lifetime.

MFA President Darmanin Demajo, thanked Fr Hilary and HE Dr George Abela for their service towards grassroots football and reiterated that his dream of having an adequate training pitch for each and every nursery on the island is almost complete.

Dr George Abela also appealed to the children to enjoy and love playing football, as the beautiful game will make them better men.

MFA Vice-President Ludovigo Micallef, KMS chairman Bernard Vassallo, Technical Director Robert Gatt, MFA Deputy General Secretary (Grassroots, Youth Development & Education) Maria Mifsud and all the MFA Technical Staff were present for this launch.