The need to prioritise youth development, inclusion and enjoyment for children playing football in local youth nurseries was the central theme of the 2026 General Assembly of the Youth Football Association.
Addressing a well-attended General Assembly, Youth Football Association president Norman Darmanin Demajo delivered a characteristically honest and forthright address, highlighting not only the association’s ongoing projects and opportunities but also the challenges it continues to face.
“The General Assembly serves two purposes – to review and approve the work of the past year, but also to look towards the future,” Darmanin Demajo said.
“We have reflected on the past and I must say I am impressed by the number of events we manage to organise with such a small team. Thank you all for your dedication.
“The future, however, remains our main concern. Football is evolving and we must adapt to these changes. I feel that, at club level, the emphasis on youth development is not what it used to be. Where do our young players continue their development? Where do they play once they progress through the youth system?
“We often hear that nurseries have been successful, but how do we define success? What do you consider success? I encourage every nursery to ask itself these important questions. Success should not be measured solely by the number of trophies won.”
Positive discussions with the Malta FA
Darmanin Demajo reaffirmed the Youth FA’s commitment to its mission and referred to a positive meeting with Malta FA Senior Vice-President Dr Matthew Paris regarding the present and future role of the Youth FA within the local football landscape.
“From next season, the Centenary Stadium will once again be available to the Youth FA to host festivals, while our annual grant has also been confirmed,” Darmanin Demajo said.
“We are also working to revive a number of inclusion and accessibility initiatives, including discussions with De La Salle College to reintroduce free football training sessions for children from the Cottonera area who are not enrolled with a nursery.
In addition, we plan to further strengthen the Gozo Girls Football – Live It With Love initiative following the success of the first two editions.”
The Youth FA president also referred to the planned introduction of a regulatory framework for private football schools and academies, bringing them under the same governance structure as youth nurseries through the fulfilment of clearly-defined criteria.
He also highlighted the need to clarify issues relating to clubs’ compliance with regulations governing voluntary organisations and the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS), particularly in light of the recently introduced commercialisation legislation, which enables football clubs to operate as sports companies.
Administrative report
Youth FA Secretary General Stephanie Rocco presented the Administrative Report for the 2025-26 season, reviewing the association’s principal events and initiatives.
These included the continued organisation of the Enjoying The Game Festivals for Under-10, Under-8 and Under-7 teams, as well as an Inclusion Festival featuring the participation of the Special Olympics team.
The report also highlighted a host of educational and social responsibility initiatives, including the continued development of the Football Live It With Love Legacy programme, collaboration with the Prevent-CRC team to promote community-based research on colorectal cancer prevention, and the Goal4Literacy initiative.
“During this period, we witnessed our community continue to grow, not only in numbers but also in the quality of the experiences we provide,” the Youth FA Secretary General said.
“From festivals filled with enthusiasm to programmes that promote inclusion and participation for all, the Youth FA remained committed to ensuring that every boy and girl is given the opportunity to be part of a team, to learn and to enjoy the game.
“This report tells a story – a story of resilience, dedication, collaboration and collective commitment. It reflects the outstanding efforts of our clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents and administrators, who work tirelessly every day to make a genuine difference in the lives of our young people.
“As we look ahead, we remain inspired by the energy and limitless potential of our children. The Youth FA remains determined to continue building an environment where every step taken on the pitch is also a step forward in life, guided by strong values, mutual respect and new opportunities.”
