A new national framework aimed at integrating arts and culture into football nurseries across Malta and Gozo has been launched through a collaboration between the Ministry for Culture, the Arts and Local Government, Arts Council Malta and the Malta Football Association.

The initiative, titled “SportArti”, will see Arts Council Malta allocate €50,000 annually to a dedicated fund supporting football nurseries that are members of the Malta Youth Football Association. The funding will enable nurseries to introduce artistic and cultural activities into their programmes, including creative learning opportunities, community projects and collaborations with artists and cultural practitioners.

The scheme forms part of Arts Council Malta’s wider strategy to expand cultural participation and embed creativity within community structures, in line with the national Vision 2050 framework. The long-term strategy emphasises cross-sector collaboration, wider access to culture and initiatives that strengthen young people’s creative skills, resilience and wellbeing.

Minister for Culture, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to broadening cultural participation and making creativity part of everyday life. He noted that the initiative aims to build stronger links between culture, education, sport and community wellbeing while providing young people with opportunities to develop imagination, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman Luke Dalli described the agreement as an important step in supporting the holistic development of young athletes. He said it would create structured opportunities connecting artists, educators and football clubs to enrich children’s experiences both on and off the pitch.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Rocco, Secretary General of the Malta Youth Football Association, said the organisation welcomed the initiative as it supports the overall development of children while allowing them to engage directly with the creative sector.

The agreement will run for three years and aims to strengthen long-term collaboration between the cultural and sports sectors.