On Monday evening, the Malta FA officially inaugurated the new National Football Centre (NFC) in Ta’ Qali, new top-class facilities that will house the Association’s Technical Centre.
The NFC’s opening comes in a celebratory year for the Malta FA, as it marks the 125th anniversary since its foundation. A special event was held on Monday, where a number of high-profile guests and officials were present, namely Hon. Prime Minister of Malta Dr Robert Abela, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and UEFA Vice President Jesper Møller Christensen, among others.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CENTRE
The NFC is a newly constructed centre located at the Malta FA Training Grounds that will offer several facilities, including a 400-seater, Category 1 stadium compliant with UEFA requirements, a medical and sports science area, a relaxation zone for players, an administrative area, conference facilities, eatery, and more.
The Malta FA Technical Centre’s operations and all logistics of the national teams will be relocated to the new building during the final quarter of the year, with the facilities being fully equipped to serve as the hub for the work of the technical sector.
The project was made possible through funding from the Government of Malta, the National Development and Social Fund, Malta Development Bank, Project Green, and UEFA Sustainable Infrastructure.
The centre embodies the Malta FA’s vision of strengthening its long-term investment in Maltese football through a strong and sustainable foundation across all levels of the game. The NFC brings the idea to life through state-of-the-art facilities, inspiring environments, and opportunities that support player development, coaching, inclusivity, and the growth of the game, both locally and internationally.
125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
In the NFC’s new multi-purpose hall, there was a special event taking place on Monday to celebrate the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary, while also inaugurating the new facilities.
During the event, there were a series of speeches, gift exchanges, as well as a special Q&A session with Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, founder of the Youth FA.
During the inauguration of the NFC, Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the significance of the €13 million investment, co-funded by the National Development and Social Fund and supported by the Malta Development Bank. He described the centre as a strong vote of confidence in Maltese football, commending the Malta FA for leading with initiatives such as ‘Football for Integration’ and ‘Play Green’.
Dr Abela reaffirmed Government’s commitment to collaborate with the Malta FA in delivering new pitches across Malta and Gozo, ensuring sport flourishes at every level while nurturing future generations of talent in both the women’s and men’s game.
Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo remarked: “From the enthusiasm of the early years, football in Malta has grown steadily, gradually becoming more professional. And today we are witnessing the largest-ever investment by the Malta FA, in governance, infrastructure, performance, and grassroots development.”
“The NFC will not only offer sports science and medical facilities of the highest order, along with a Category 1 stadium, but on a national scale, it represents a significant social return and added value in terms of education, performance, economy and health,” he continued.
Turning to the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary, a year which has been filled with celebratory events and milestones, President Vassallo added that despite so many years passing, the mission remains the same, to bring people closer to football, and to make the game accessible to everyone.
Taking to the stage, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that he is honoured to inaugurate and visit the NFC along with the Prime Minister of Malta and other dignitaries. “This facility is a glowing representation of the hard work and dedication of everyone in Malta and the Malta FA, led by President Bjorn Vassallo. Maltese football continues to progress and I was very encouraged to see this newly-built facility, which is fully equipped to serve as the hub of all footballing operations and logistics of all Maltese national teams,” President Infantino added.
“The NFC is a fantastic investment in Maltese football for the long-term, and I extend my appreciation to Hon. Prime Minister Robert Abela, the Maltese government, President Bjorn Vassallo and his team at the Malta FA, the National Development and Social Fund of Malta, and everyone responsible for implementing this wonderful project,” he continued.
UEFA Vice President Jesper Møller Christensen lauded Malta’s rich football history, noting that UEFA’s member associations have expressed how impressed they are by the work done throughout the years.
He congratulated the Malta FA and said that it is important to remember that football is a passion for everyone, not just for elite players, but also for children and the grassroots, among other levels.
The speeches were followed by a Q&A session with Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, a key figure in Maltese youth football, during which he looked back on his long career working in football, highlighting the progress made at different levels throughout the years.
“I would like to pass on the experiences I have had in my life to everyone. Whenever I meet parents, I encourage them to give their children a ball. I encourage parents to speak to young people to take up football or any other sport seriously with a passion. This is the message: live it with love,” Fr Hilary commented.
Following the session, the NFC was officially inaugurated by Hon. Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, UEFA Vice President Jesper Møller Christensen, and Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo, who performed the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A commemorative plaque was then unveiled and blessed by Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, with a match taking place at the Malta FA Training Grounds between a selection of youth players for all attendees to watch during the event.
Source: MFA
Images: MFA
