Malta FA and Ministry for Health and Active Ageing announce ‘YOU Matter’ theme for Jubilee Cup

'YOU Matter' is the main theme that will promote mental health in sport, through a collaboration between the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing and the Malta Football Association (MFA). This was announced by the Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela and MFA President Bjorn Vassallo.

On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the MFA, the Jubilee Cup will be organised, where teams from amateurs to the highest level in Maltese football will compete for this prestigious honour. Through this collaboration, this competition will promote the protection of mental health as the captains of the respective teams will be wearing the band 'YOU Matter - Call 1579'.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela expressed his satisfaction that this collaboration is taking place through football, where they continue to promote measures in favour of protecting mental health. He stated that mental health is crucial for physical health to be healthy and therefore the Ministry will continue to see how to collaborate both on mental health and also on other campaigns to convey health protection messages through sport.

"It is important that we continue to remind people of the number 1579 where people who face mental health challenges can find help 24/7. We are committed to continue working both with the MFA and with other sports fields in favour of health campaigns from which the Maltese and the Gozitans benefit," concluded Minister Abela.

On his part, MFA President Bjorn Vassallo said, "This agreement with the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing allows us to deliver a strong message through football, particularly with the Malta FA Jubilee Cup, an important competition that celebrates the Association's 125th Anniversary."

"Over the years, we have sought to use the power of football to communicate key social issues, and through the Ministry’s campaign will allow us to continue to increase awareness about mental health". The President of the Malta FA thanked the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing for supporting the Malta FA Jubilee Cup and acknowledged the game's potential to inspire positive change.