Hugo Maradona, the brother of the legendary Argentine player Diego Armando Maradona, will be in Malta next month to lead a number of training sessions for young players at the Qormi FC premises.
The training camp will be held between December 16 and 19 and is open for age groups ranging from U-9 to U-15.
Hugo Maradona is a former Argentine youth international who during his playing career was on the books of Ascoli, in the Italian Serie A, Rayo Vallecano in the Spanis La Liga and Austria’s Rapid Vienna before rejoining Argentinos Juniors.
Hugo Maradona’s visit to Malta was made possible through the work of Dr Kenneth Vella, who is Malta’s ambassador for Estonia and Finland.
“It was a few weeks ago when I contacted Kenneth and asked him for his help to hold this training camp in Malta,” Redino Apap, the Qormi FC general secretary said in a statement.
“Thanks to his contacts not only in Italy but also in the Nordic countries we managed to guarantee that Hugo will visit Malta and lead a training camp that will not only be open for all children not only those from Qormi.
“Hugo will be assisted by various coaches, not only from the Qormi nursery but also from others from other clubs, including former Malta international Andrew Cohen that recently started a career in coaching as well.
“Participating children will also be given a kit for the occasion.”
On his part, Kenneth Vella said that Hugo Maradona immediately accepted the invitation to come and visit Malta and offered his services, similar to what he has done in Naples in recent years, where he is directly involved in the administration of football schools and also assisted clubs in Nordic countries.
Vella added that Maradona asked that a number of places in the camp will be reserved for children in need.
“During his stay in Malta will also have the opportunity to meet with government officials as well as Maltese media,” Vella said.
“It will be a great opportunity for him to speak on the career of his brother Diego and their upbringing.
“Apart from this initiative, our embassy we are working to set up connections between Maltese clubs and other others from Nordic countries, particularly in Estonia and Finland.”
The visit of Hugo Hernan Maradona was also possible thanks to the support of Johann Schembri, director at Izibet.
For more information on children registration for the camp can be obtained by phoning on 9944-1855 or email qormi@theyouthfa.org.mt
