‘Man of integrity’: Former Youth FA Treasurer Cacciottolo dies, aged 87

The Maltese youth football fraternity has lost one of its biggest contributors following the death of Alfred Cacciottolo, at the age of 87.

Cacciottolo served as Treasurer of the Youth FA for 30 years and played a leading role in several important reforms undertaken by the association.

Former Youth FA General Secretary Joe Micallef, who worked alongside Cacciottolo for several years, described him as a major contributor to youth football development in Malta.

“Alfred Cacciottolo always put football nurseries at the top of his priorities,” Micallef told the Times of Malta.

“He had started his career as a member of the Sliema Wanderers committee where he devoted special attention to the club’s nursery which at the time was led by the late Gużi Fava. When Fr Hilary Tagliaferro asked him to give him a helping hand at the Youth FA he immediately accepted and always felt at ease in helping clubs to develop young players.”

Micallef said that Cacciottolo was instrumental in several important reforms undertaken by the Youth FA.

“Alfred was instrumental in several changes undertaken by the Youth FA,” Micallef said.

“He worked hard so that our teams played their football on turf pitch rather than gravel and we started to host our matches at St Aloysius College as well as the Luxol Ground.

“Alfred always looked at ways to use the Youth FA funds to provide a better environment for all children who started to form part of the football nurseries.

“During his 30-year career as treasurer he looked at ways how the funds we received from UEFA will be redirected for the benefit of the football nurseries. For example, he came with the idea that the Youth FA would pay for the referees that officiate matches in our competitions rather than the participating nurseries.”

Micallef also said that Cacciottolo was instrumental in seeing the Youth FA move premises from Floriana to the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali.

Asked what Cacciottolo’s biggest virtues were as treasurer, Micallef had a clear answer.

“Alfred was a great leader, worked with integrity, and always looked to push others to help youth football move forward,” he said.

“He was the ideal treasurer to have as he worked with great integrity but above all he was a great leader. When young people came in to start working in our organisation he always made sure that they were comfortable in their environment.

“Alfred always looked to push others and preferred to work in silence without ever taking any merit. He always put youth football at the top ahead of any personal glory.”

Micallef said that Cacciottolo remained active until four years ago because he managed to adapt to the modern mentality.

“I will always keep fond memories of Alfred as with him and Fr Hilary we have worked to build a strong foundation for youth football in Malta and his legacy will surely remain for several years.”