Malta FA and Youth FA hold Beach Soccer Festival as part of 125 anniversary celebrations

The Malta FA, in collaboration with the Youth FA and the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, on Saturday held a Beach Soccer Festival having an action-packed afternoon at Pretty Bay, Birzebbuga.

The festival, which formed part of the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary celebrations, saw a number of nurseries take part, with different sets of teams playing 12-minute matches. The event also marked the conclusion of the Ministry for the Environment’s Saving Our Blue Summer Edition campaign, together with the launch of Malta’s Sustainable Development Action Days.

The nurseries involved were Birkirkara FC, Naxxar Lions FC, Pietà Hotspurs FC, Zurrieq FC, Floriana FC, Hamrun Spartans FC, Kirkop United, Melita FC, Mosta FC, Siggiewi FC, Zabbar St Patrick FC, and also a team from the MFA Girls selection.

Aside from beach soccer matches, the event also included interactive games, creative workshops, live performances, as well as other sports activities.

Malta FA General Secretary Dr Maria Azzopardi and Youth FA General Secretary Stephanie Rocco were present for the event, as well as Environment Minister Dr Miriam Dalli and Minister for Health and Active Ageing Dr Jo Etienne Abela.

Commenting on the event, Dr Azzopardi remarked that the Malta FA is proud to be teaming up with Malta’s Sustainable Development Directorate within the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness and the Youth FA to support the Saving Our Blue initiative as part of the Association’s 125th anniversary.

“Together, we are uniting sport, youth, and sustainability in a shared mission to protect Malta’s environment and preserve our natural heritage. Football inspires collective action, and through this initiative we aim to reduce waste, protect our seas, and promote sustainable lifestyles, turning awareness into action for our communities and future generations,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the Youth FA, Ms Rocco expressed delight at having been part of the vibrant Saving Our Blue beach soccer event, describing it as a celebration of environmental awareness and the joy of football. “The initiative brought young footballers together in the spirit of fair play, community, and care for our marine environment,” she continued.

“As part of the Malta FA’s 125-year anniversary, this event reflects the Youth FA’s shared commitment to sustainability, youth engagement, and the unifying power of football. We remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote both sport and social responsibility,” Ms Rocco stated.