Malta FA Hosts UEFA Fitness Advisory Group for UEFA Share Seminar

The Malta FA Coach Education Department recently hosted the UEFA Fitness Advisory Group, welcoming over 30 representatives from 13 nations, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, England, Georgia, Israel, Lithuania, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Ukraine. This marked the second UEFA Fitness Share event organised in Malta within the past 12 months.

Held from 21st to 23rd January, the three-day seminar focused on key themes such as the role and responsibilities of fitness coaches, learning and assessment methodologies, and the impact of growth and maturation in youth players. A highlight of the event was a session led by Luca Pagani, Head of Performance at the Malta FA, who shared insights from Malta’s experience in organising its first UEFA Fitness B Diploma.

Photo by Malta FA

Practical application played a central role throughout the seminar. On the first day, participants analysed the fitness aspects of a training session featuring the Malta U15 National Team, led by coach Jonathan Holland and his staff. The second day saw seminar attendees designing and conducting MD+1 exercises in a mock session with Mgarr United FC Women’s Team. The final day featured an intense practical session at the Mediterranean College of Sports and St Aloysius College, where UEFA Fitness Instructors worked with the Malta U17 Futsal National Team.

Beyond its technical and practical insights, the seminar provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking. Five members of the Malta FA National Teams Performance Department, led by Luca Pagani, actively participated, gaining first-hand experience and fostering connections with international colleagues.

Photo by Malta FA

This UEFA Fitness Share not only enhanced participants' expertise but also reinforced Malta’s commitment to developing high-quality coaching and fitness education.