IFF launches joint initiatives targeting school children

On Friday, The Inhobb il-Futbol Foundation (IFF) launched two initiatives aimed at school children, one focusing on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the other to raise awareness about ADHD.

Highlighting the value of synergies for positive initiatives, the IFF has linked up with the
Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the grand harbour, and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth and Research for the Football for the Goals project.

For Break Time – Football For ADHD campaign, the IFF is working closely with ADHD Malta to raise awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, using the popularity of football to generate awareness among school children about the needs and challenges of people with ADHD.

Football for the Goals

This project aligns with the UN’s Football for the Goals initiative which aims to encourage the global football community to engage with and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).

A total of 17 classrooms from several schools are participating in this initiative, each focusing on one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Every participating school received a set of tshirts, coloured and themed according to the SDG allocated to them.

Gareth Sciberras, Chairman of the Inhobb il-Futbol Foundation, spoke about the IFF’s mission to
nurture the love for football among children and support good causes along with its commitment to improve grassroots football and youth development.

“These kind of initiatives complement our mission to contribute towards a positive social change and a sporting culture in an inclusive way,” Sciberras said.

Mark Gatt, the Football In Schools Coordinator at the IFF, said the Football for the Goals project aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s drive to embark on joint initiatives that combine football, education and knowledge-sharing.

As part of the Football for the Goals campaign, the participating classrooms will also take part in two-day football events earmarked for November and February 2025.

Francine Pace Caruana, Director – Sustainable Development, said: “Sustainable development can only be achieved if there is a collective effort from everyone, including children and youths. Education and training are fundamental principles to ensure sustainable progress. Every boy and girl can be an ambassador for change and sustainability.”

Adrian Cauchi, Sport Event Manager for Primary School Projects, Events and Support, said: “Our Centre is pleased to be collaborating again with the IFF in this initiative supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. The schools were eager to be part of this campaign, this time we could only accept 17, but we look forward to having more schools involved in future initiatives.”

Break Time – Football for ADHD

With October being the month dedicated to ADHD, the IFF and ADHD Malta have embarked on a campaign to further raise awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across Malta and Gozo.

“The campaign involves organising football matches during school break times in every school, engaging children in a meaningful and interactive way to foster understanding and inclusivity,” Pamela Muscat, President of ADHD Malta, said.

As part of this initiative, an educational video featuring testimonials from people with ADHD will be sent to schools.

Football is a great tool to reach out to children, thus encouraging them to engage with others and be active.

A series of football events will take place at several schools as part of ADHD day this coming Monday (14th October).