In exactly three weeks time the UEFA Under 17 championship finals will kick off in Malta.

Without any doubt, this is going to be the biggest footballing event being held in Malta and it goes on to show the confidence it has entrusted the MFA with in the organisation of such a tournament.

MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo has described this tournament as a big challenge for such a small nation as Malta.

We must all agree that it is a big challenge, not only for the organisers, but also for the Malta youngsters. They will be pitting their talents against Europe’s best young players who will be the continent’s top performers in the not so distant future.

In this sense, our boys will need all the support they can get from the local fans if they are to emerge from this ordeal with their heads held high.

As usual for a team hailing from such a small country, it will undoubtedly be a difficult task. But it is not impossible for our lads to achieve some good results, even if not positive, through good performances on the field of play.

I am sure they are being prepared to their best abilities to face this experience which they have never gone through before. In fact, our boys are only included among the finalists because Malta is the host country and, as such, earned the automatic right to be one of the finalists.

It is an honour for our lads to be representing their country in such a tournament – the fourth biggest of UEFA after the European Championship for seniors, the Under 21 and Under 19. This will be the last tournament with eight teams in the finals because as from next season, it will be a 16-team event.

For the organisers, it is also a big challenge. It is definitely a first for the Malta FA and therefore I am not surprised with the amount of work it has gone through so far in order to turn in into the success which is desired by one and all.

Co-operation has been extended from every sector and the MFA has not been left alone in the organisation of this event.

Yet, it still needs the co-operation of the general public which is being urged to patronise the event by attending at the three hosting venues, that is, the National Stadium, the Hibs Stadium and the Gozo Stadium.

For sure, every fan is guaranteed a spectacle by these youngsters who will be eager to represent their countries with full honours. In a few words, they will be doing their utmost not only to win the tournament, but also to leave an impact on the ‘spies’ from Europe’s top clubs coming over to watch and assess their abilities.