Football keeping entertainers entertained for a good cause

Team MT is the name of a new national selection made up of people who work in the local entertainment and media industry. The ‘famous’ members of Team MT participated in their first official event last weekend, swapping their swanky outfits for football kits and boots to play in the annual Puttinu Cares Marathon at the Marsa Sports Ground. Training of Team MT, composed of male and female players, began a few weeks ago and the initial response from those involved has been overwhelmingly positive as this initiative is also giving them the opportunity to meet up and take a break from their busy lifestyle. The captain of Team MT is popular singer Fabrizio Faniello, himself a promising football player in his teens. Fabrizio played for the Sliema Wanderers and Malta youths before deciding to focus solely on his signing career which saw him represent Malta twice in the Eurovision Song Contest. “I consider this opportunity to be part of a national selection as a dream come true,” Fabrizio said. “I would like to thank Peter (Busuttil) and the Malta FA for their professionalism and commitment to supporting the community." Fabrizio is happy to revive his footballing career after a long period away from the game. “I never imagined that, after such a long time, I would step again on a Ta’ Qali training pitch,” he added. GREAT ENTHUSIASM – KEITH DEMICOLI TVM journalist and newscaster Keith Demicoli welcomed the Malta FA’s initiative to create Team MT as it brings together football-loving singers, artists and broadcasters to promote and support philanthropic causes as was the case last weekend during the Puttinu Cares Marathon. “I’m impressed with the enthusiasm and turn-out for the weekly training sessions of Team MT,” Demicoli said. “Training at Ta’ Qali and wearing the national team shirt was a lifelong dream for many of us. I feel honoured to be part of this great group and showing the red card to several diseases or medical conditions.” The training sessions of Team MT, which is co-ordinated by Peter Busuttil, from the Malta FA’s FSR department, with Matthew Psaila acting as team manager, are conducted by current players and coaches who are following a UEFA C coaching course. Valletta FC midfielder Rowen Muscat is the first-team coach. FUN ELEMENT – BEN CAMILLE Popular presenter Ben Camille also spoke positively about this initiative.  “We have fun as we enjoy playing football while also sharing a few jokes,” Ben said. “It’s great to be able to meet up with colleagues in the industry in a relaxed environment and burn some calories at the same time.” For Ben, the best part of what he considers a great initiative by the Malta FA is the support Team MT is giving to charity initiatives. Singer Ivan Grech, of Winter Moods fame, also welcomed the creation of Team MT. Ivan is looking forward to playing football with his fellow colleagues, have fun and be part of a project that supports good causes and serves as an inspiration to others. WELCOME BREAK – XANDRU GRECH We also caught up with Xandru Grech who, at 43, believes that this initiative is helping him to make new friends and enhance his social life. Xandru is known for his love for sports, having enjoyed success in athletics which is still close to his heart. “This is indeed a very commendable initiative and the experience has been very enjoyable so far,” Xandru said. “I know most of the team members through my work in the media. Apart from supporting good causes, training sessions are a great way to break off from our hectic routine, catch up with the other lads and sharing jokes. “I’m delighted to be part of this and to have the opportunity to meet up with these bubbly people.”