The Malta Football Association is stepping up its engagement with Maltese clubs through a series of visits aimed at strengthening cooperation, particularly in relation to player development and the management of players involved with the national teams.

As part of the initiative, Malta FA Vice-President Dr Matthew Paris and Malta national team Head Coach Emilio De Leo, accompanied by members of the national team staff, visited Gżira United and Birkirkara FC.

They met with representatives of the two clubs, including coaches Darren Abdilla and Paul Zammit, as well as Birkirkara’s newly elected President Dr Chris Cardona. Discussions focused on a number of issues concerning the relationship between the clubs and the national teams.

The visits form part of the Malta FA’s efforts to establish closer and more regular communication with clubs across the country. The Association intends to visit all Malta Premier League clubs ahead of the next national team call-up, with the aim of making the relationship between the national teams and the domestic game a two-way process.

Partnership centred on players

Speaking during the meetings, Dr Matthew Paris stressed that the players should remain at the centre of the relationship between the Association and the clubs.

“First and foremost, the players are not our players; they are the clubs’ players, and they are with us for a period of time when they are called up to the national team,” he said.

Paris emphasised the importance of exchanging information between the clubs and the national teams. Clubs can provide valuable insight into players’ day-to-day development, while the national team can keep clubs informed about what takes place during international windows.

“The clubs are the ones who speak to the players on a daily basis and see their development,” Paris said.

“There are decisions that are taken based on performance, but also on other factors that can affect a player’s behaviour and development. These are things that are important and beneficial for us to exchange.”

Paris also highlighted the importance of the Malta FA visiting clubs and gaining a direct understanding of their facilities and operations, rather than expecting clubs to always travel to the Association’s premises.

“The Association is not confined entirely to its own premises. The Association also extends to the clubs, to coaches and to the wider football community,” he said.

The Malta FA said it valued the relationships developed with both Gżira United and Birkirkara in recent years and praised the positive cooperation between the clubs and the national teams.

The programme of club visits is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the Malta FA aiming to meet representatives of all Premier League clubs before the next national team squad is announced.