16 coaches awarded UEFA Pro Diploma following completion of 2023/2025 course

On Monday evening, the participants of the third edition of the UEFA Pro Course were presented with their new coaching diploma, marking the successful completion of the highest coaching qualification offered by the Malta FA and by UEFA.

The event, which was held at the National Football Centre in Ta’ Qali, saw 16 participating coaches receive their commemorative certificates following the completion of the course.

This edition of the UEFA Pro Diploma Course, held from 2023 to 2025, involved a combination of intensive theoretical and practical coach education sessions that are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and experience required to coach at the highest levels of football in Malta and across Europe.

The course was spread over two football seasons and consisted of 430 hours of experiential learning ruled by the UEFA Coaching Convention. Throughout the course, participants explored all key aspects of football coaching in a learning environment that encouraged networking, the exchange of experiences and the discussion of practical football ideas alongside local and foreign UEFA-qualified instructors.

Speaking during the event, Malta FA Senior Vice President Dr Matthew Paris congratulated the participants on the milestone achievement and thanked them for their commitment to the game.

“Continued education must be at the centre of your career. Football evolves rapidly: tactics, sports science, analytics, and player welfare are constantly changing. Commit to lifelong learning – read, observe, ask questions, attend courses, and collaborate with colleagues. Seek out diverse perspectives and be curious. The best coaches are students of the game, always adapting and improving,” he remarked.

Dr Paris stated that it is vital for these coaches to always remain dedicated, and to surround themselves with a strong support network, delegate when needed, as well as maintain balance to sustain a long career.

Herman Bugeja, Head of Coach Education at the Malta FA, thanked the participants for the wonderful learning journey, with this journey proving equally enriching for both the participants and the educators.

“We must push for more coaches coming through the local pathway, taking leadership roles in our leagues, and even seeking opportunities abroad. Our coaches must believe that they belong on bigger stages – not by chance, but through competence and commitment. Professionalism is not defined by where you come from; it is defined by how you coach,” he remarked.

He added that with professionalism comes the responsibility to continue learning, engage in ongoing professional development, and mentor the next generation of coaches.

Brian Said, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed thanks to Coach Bugeja for not only leading the course, but serving as a mentor, guiding and encouraging the participants to discuss and challenge one another.

“Congratulations go to all of the coaches for obtaining the UEFA Pro Diploma, as now we have the added responsibility of showing how we are UEFA Pro Diploma coaches in the way we coach, act, behave, and form relationships with their players, coaching staff and club members,” he continued, adding that they have grown to become a well-knit group of coaches.

“I would like to thank the Malta FA for making all of this possible and for giving us the opportunity to obtain this qualification her in Malta. Special thanks also go to the lecturers and guest speakers for being well prepared, motivated and engaging,” Said added.

The Malta FA congratulates all participants on successfully completing the UEFA Pro Diploma Course and wishes them every success in the next stage of their coaching careers.

The full list of participants of the 2023/2025 UEFA Pro Diploma Course is as follows:

-Orosco Anonam
-Danijel Bogdanovic
-Andrew Cohen
-Saviour Debono Grech
-Jean Paul Desira
-Pablo Cesar Doffo
-Hugo Faria
-Joseph Galea
-Jonathan Holland
-Francesco Macri
-Ryan Pulis
-Brian Said
-Andre Schembri
-Darren Vella
-Etienne Vella
-Alessandro Zinnari