During September 1-3, Fgura United FC brought together six reputable international coaches for a three-day training camp for players aged 6-12 years.
The coaches included Josh Pugh from Arsenal FC Academy, UEFA PRO Elite and former Benfica Academy Director Hugo Vicente, SC Braga Technical Coordinator Filipe Branquinho, and Welsh Premier League Pontypridd United coaches Ben Slade, Rhys Llewellyn, and Gyo Kimura.
Players had two sessions daily which enabled them to be coached by all of these coaches.
Claude Chetchuti, Fgura United FC Director of Youth Football remarked how the players enjoyed quality football coaching which enabled them to also showcase their talent under the eyes of international coaches.
Speaking to the club’s socials, Pugh said he was excited to get to see how many players were involved in the camp.
“It’s been a fantastic experience coming to Fgura,” he said.
“I met Larkin (Bonnici) about five years ago so to go from then to now and to be able to see the development is amazing. Everyone has been so welcoming, hospitable, and kind.
“I was so excited to see how many players are here, to see the kids involved in different sessions with different coaches. I even got a chance to go and watch the first team play and the Under-19.”
Vicente who has coached youth players in various Portuguese clubs said he saw potential in many players.
“Coming here, back to my beginnings as a youth coach was a nice experience. It’s been fun – it was the first time for me here in Malta,” he said.
“In terms of the club, I can see that the setup is quite organised. Some kids are better than I expected, I must say. The overall level is not the most important, it’s more of a social experience. But you can see a number of players who have the potential to develop. I hope that we, all the coaches that are here, are able to give them those little things that they can take with them for their future careers.
Fgura United FC President Larkin Bonnici stated that this international camp served as a bridge for further collaboration with some of the mentioned clubs and it is the club’s desire to consolidate such collaborations in the months ahead.
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