HatTrick help gives new facilities to Malta

UEFA's HatTrick assistance programme for its 53 member national associations has helped fund new facilities in Malta, which were opened recently when UEFA president Michel Platini and UEFA's Executive Committee visited the Mediterranean island.

The opening ceremony for Pembroke Athleta FC's new artificial turf pitch and floodlighting was attended by Mr Platini, the Maltese prime minister Lawrence Gonzi and Malta Football Association (MFA) president Joseph Mifsud.

Mr Platini welcomed the fact the UEFA HatTrick progamme to assist other member associations was achieving its aims. He congratulated all those who had worked to help fulfil their dream of having such a facility, something which meant a great amount for the local youngsters – the basis of football. The project was co-funded by UEFA, the MFA and Maltese government agencies.

The newly laid artificial pitch at Pembroke, one of several appearing in Malta, will cater for more than 250 youngsters of both sexes. In addition to holding its latest Executive Committee meeting on the island, the UEFA delegation joined celebrations marking 100 years of national football competitions in the country, and 50 years of full membership of UEFA and world football governing body FIFA.