Seminar - “Getting to Know the MFA” – 27TH August 2012

As part of the Malta Football Association’s ongoing process of continuously upgrading itself, a full-day Seminar, entitled getting to Know the MFA”,  was held on Monday 27th August 2012 at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali. This Seminar, the first of its kind, was aimed, mainly, at the “new” Club and Member Associations Presidents, Secretaries and Council Members.    A good number of officials were present for the Seminar, which was opened by MFA CEO Mr. Bjorn Vassallo. In his speech, Mr. Vassallo specified that the idea of the seminar grew from the many questions that are asked during the MFA Executive Meetings. The notion that the MFA is a “you and us” situation is outdated, with the present administration striving to create a more holistic approach towards the interaction between clubs and the governing body. “The MFA is your home” stressed Mr. Vassallo. Further stress was laid on the fact that football is not just the 90 minute duration of the game but, it brought together, various activities and responsibilities which are being catered for by the different departments within the MFA. As such, it has become imperative that club administrators have to generate a more professional approach; assume responsibility for decisions taken; persevere in the right decisions; and make rationality prevail over passion. Finally, the financial situation in clubs, together with technical and infrastructural investment, have to assume higher importance. The Seminar developed throughout the day with presentations by the responsible MFA Officials who targeted the following areas: Club Licensing; Player Registration; Integrity; Legal Aspects; Competition Dept.; Match Operations; Finances; the Technical Centre and the Swimming Pool. These presentations were excellently delivered and were highly informative. Interaction amongst all those present was ongoing. At the end , the general feeling was that this initiative had created an awareness for the need for club officials, both old and new, to be well versed in and cognizant with the MFA regulations, initiatives and investments. This would then be successfully transmitted to the administration of the various clubs within the MFA.