2014 UEFA GRASSROOTS DAY ACTIVITIES

The Malta Football Association will be marking the 5th edition of UEFA Grassroots Day with a series of activities which will coincide with the UEFA 2014 Under 17 Championship Finals being currently held in Malta.  The MFA Technical Centre in collaboration with the Youth FA and Special Olympics Malta will be hosting a Unified Football match. At 3.45pm, prior to the first semi-final of the UEFA Youth Championship there will be one hour of Unified Football at the Centenary Stadium. Everyone is free to attend! Unified Football is an inclusive initiative open to people of all ages, from youth to adults, where Special Olympics players play together on the same teams with mainstream club players. During half-time of the semi-final match at the National Stadium a skills activity for both the Special Olympics and mainstream players will be an attractive feature. These players will enter the stadium from the tunnel so that they will have the same feelings and experience as those of the national team players when walking onto the pitch prior to an international match. Mixed teams will provide the public with direct opportunities to experience first-hand the capabilities and courage of the Special Olympic athletes while helping to raise awareness and overcome prejudices about intellectual disabilities. At the same time Unified Sports enables Special Olympic and partner athletes to improve and sharpen their physical skills while having fun together in an enjoyable environment. As usual, the MFA is always in the front line in celebrating UEFA Grassroots Day and this year it will be on a special occasion when Malta is organising the UEFA 2014 Under 17 Championship Finals.