Prime Minister inaugurates Trophies Lounge

The Trophies Lounge was officially inaugurated on Wednesday afternoon by Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat in the presence of Malta FA President Norman Darmanin Demajo and Dr Clifton Grima, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport.  Situated on Level 2 of the Millennium Stand at the National Stadium, the Trophies Lounge is a new, upmarket hospitality area that offers guests and members an enhanced matchday experience. In his speech, Dr Muscat praised the Malta FA’s on-going infrastructural projects as well as the Association’s emphasis on talent development. “It is my pleasure to be here, attending MFA activities,” Dr Muscat said. “It’s no secret that this is one of the organisations for whom I have a soft spot and it’s always a pleasure for us to be here with you. “As Norman (Darmanin Demajo) said, the infrastructural aspect is a crucial point. This is a small part of the plan I know the Association has for the coming years, an ambitious plan I must say. “Norman mentioned the pipeline and it is quite wide as it contains several projects but there is a commitment on our part as government as there is a shared vision. “We want to see the specialisation of football, we want to keep pushing on and invest in this sector.” CITIZENSHIP OF MERITDr Muscat said, as a football supporter, the national team is a priority. He touched on the Citizenship of Merit which is primarily aimed at boosting the country’s profile in international sports, especially football. The Prime Minister urged the Malta FA to start taking advantage of this scheme, adding that this will not hamper the development of young homegrown talent as exceptional footballers and athletes will raise the standards. “This year, we have completed a very important project, one that is about human infrastructure rather than physical... I’m impressed with how fast it has been passed,” Dr Muscat said. “This is the Citizenship of Merit. We are doing like other countries do, even countries that are much bigger than us. “Persons who can give an exceptional contribution to Maltese sport, in this case football, with all the situations and necessary caveats, will become eligible to play for the national team. “I’m proud that this amendment has been passed unanimously and I urge the MFA to start implementing it. I have no problems wait a bi in order to make sure that we choose the right people.” MALTA FA COMMITMENT Norman Darmanin Demajo said the Malta FA is continuing to invest not only to upgrade its infrastructure but also in human resources by employing competent people who share the Association’s vision. “We are committed to continue developing our infrastructural base becaue we believe that this alone can guarantee the long-term stability and sustainability of the Association and of football in our country,” the MFA President said. Darmanin Demajo said infrastructure alone does not work. “You will probably be in a worst position if you do not then invest in the right people and human resources that can maintain, manage and stay at the cutting edge of whatever is happening around us in a changing world,” he added. “This, I believe, is the real challenge that we are facing today – ‘human resources’ and ‘creativity beyond infrastructure’. And as organisation, and as we have done in the past few months, the MFA will continue to do its best to attract and offer employment to the people who we believe are totally committed to this philosophy.”