Valletta FC will face Finnish side FC Honka Espoo in the first round of the UEFA Youth League, as the competition’s draws were held on Tuesday.
The Citizens are the first Maltese team that will be taking part in the prestigious competition after the European governing body decided to expand the tournament so that all affiliated countries will be able to compete in it.
Valletta earned the right to compete in the tournament after winning the Malta FA Youth League after finishing ahead of Mosta in last season’s championship.
FC Honka is largely renowned in Finland for its extensive youth scheme with over 1,000 youth players playing in various age groups.
Last season, the Finnish club passed through a difficult spell from an administrative point of view as they suffered major financial problems, forcing the club to file for bankruptcy.
Their senior team will start from the country’s fourth division, named Kakkonen.
FC Hoka Espoo will play the first leg in Finland on September 18 with the return leg in Malta on October 2.
The winner of the tie between Valletta FC and FC Honka Espoo face the prospect of a more prestigious tie as they will be up against French side Auxerre in the second round.
This tie will be played on October 23 and November 6.
