UEFA Jubilee gift for Malta

Chance for youngsters
The opening of the mini-pitch, adjacent to the Centenary Stadium at Ta'Qali, will provide youngsters from around the island with the opportunity to play their favourite game in a safe and friendly environment.

Pitch inauguration
The pitch was inaugurated by Malta's minister of education, youth and employment, Dr Louis Galea, in the presence of Malta Football Association president and UEFA Executive Committee member Dr Joseph Mifsud, as well as other association officials and guests. A commemorative UEFA 50 Years Jubilee plaque was also unveiled.

HatTrick offer
UEFA's HatTrick Board has decided to offer a prototype mini-pitch (21mx13m) to each member association as the ruling body celebrates its Golden Jubilee. The mini-pitch in question should be installed near to the association's headquarters and possibly close to, or on the premises of, a school.

More pitches
It is envisaged that similar pitches will be built in different locations in Malta and the neighbouring island of Gozo, with the assistance of local councils and schools. "UEFA has offered one prototype artificial mini-pitch to all of its 52 associations," said Dr Mifsud. "We call it 'prototype' because this mini-pitch symbolises the UEFA Jubilee programme."

UEFA help
UEFA HatTrick programme manager Mohamed Taa added: "Alongside this programme, UEFA has offered one million Swiss francs to each association, which will help to implement their plans in the construction of further artificial mini-pitches."