MFA Delegation Strengthens Links with Premier League Clubs

The Malta Football Association this week continued its commitment to fostering closer collaboration with Premier League clubs through a series of visits led by Vice President Dr Matthew Paris and National Team Head Coach Emilio De Leo.

The delegation visited Sliema Wanderers FC, Mosta FC and St Patrick FC, where they were welcomed by each club's president, committee members, coaching staff and technical personnel. Following the meetings, the delegation also attended training sessions, providing an opportunity to observe the clubs' daily work and exchange ideas with the technical teams.

The initiative was organised with the aim of enhancing communication and strengthening the relationship between the Malta FA and Premier League clubs, recognising that close cooperation is essential for the continued development of Maltese football.

During each meeting, Dr Paris underlined the importance of building stronger bridges between club football and the national teams.

"Our players spend only a few weeks each year with the national team before returning to their clubs," Dr Paris explained. "For that reason, continuous communication is essential. We need a structured exchange of information, both before and after every international window, so that clubs receive valuable feedback on their players and together we can continue their development."

National Team Head Coach Emilio De Leo praised the quality of work being carried out at club level and stressed that the national team's philosophy can only be fully effective if it is reinforced every day by the clubs.

"We are seeing very good methods in our clubs," De Leo said. "The mentality we want to instil with the national team is developed on a daily basis at club level. Our time together with the players is limited, so the only way to optimise their development is through genuine collaboration between the clubs and the national team."

De Leo also expressed his satisfaction with the emphasis all three clubs are placing on youth development.

"It is encouraging to see clubs investing in young players because this is also a key objective for the national teams. We must continue exposing young footballers to senior football and have the courage to give them playing time. They will make mistakes—that is part of their development—but they need coaches and clubs who believe in them and are willing to take responsibility for their growth."

The discussions also gave club representatives the opportunity to share their perspectives.

Sliema Wanderers Head Coach Branko Nisevic welcomed the initiative, noting that both club and national team coaches ultimately share the same objective.

"We all want to see players improve. Any initiative that helps us work together towards that goal is something we fully support."

At Mosta FC, Technical Director Mario Muscat explained that the club is entering a new cycle centred around a promising group of young players.

"Our objective is to consolidate the project we have started with this young squad and establish ourselves in the Premier League. Having players represent the national team benefits both the club and the country, and maintaining the right balance between both environments is essential."

Meanwhile, St Patrick FC Head Coach Gilbert Agius highlighted the positive influence experienced foreign players can have on local talent, while also stressing the importance of providing opportunities to young Maltese footballers.

"The quality of foreign players helps raise standards, but young local players also need opportunities. Coaches need the courage to trust and introduce new players, even though we all know how important results are in today's game."

The meetings also covered practical matters affecting clubs and players, including the insurance protection available to national team players while on international duty.

The visits come ahead of the introduction of the new amalgamated international window, which will see clubs play seven consecutive league matches before a longer break for international football. Previously, the domestic calendar was interrupted after just two league fixtures, resumed briefly, and then stopped again for another international period.

The coaches who met the Malta FA delegation unanimously welcomed the revised structure, describing it as a significant improvement for both club football and the national teams by providing greater continuity to the domestic competition while allowing for a more effective international program.

The Malta FA intends to continue these visits in the coming weeks, with the next round of meetings with Premier League clubs scheduled for the beginning of August, as the Association continues its efforts to build stronger partnerships and a shared vision for the future of Maltese football.