PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT An initiative to give children a voice in football

As part of the initiative between the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment and the Malta Football Association, Stop the Hate, a discussion was organised between the Players’ Council of Fgura United FC and Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool and England player.

This campaign aims to raise more awareness against all forms of hate that may be experienced by players, match officials and even supporters.

Jamie Carragher spoke in favour of this initiative, as through the foundation he set up, Foundation 23, he is also working towards social measures through football. He praised the fact that this football club is giving children a voice through this Council. The Council is made up of thirteen players aged between 10 and 13, who carry out various social initiatives, for example for every goal scored by the club’s Under 15, Under 17 and Under 21 teams, the club donates €5 to the Association for Abandoned Animals and Frame Football Malta.

During the discussion, the children shared their ideas with the former player, who expressed support for such measures and for the Stop the Hate campaign, always with the aim of ensuring that football serves as a source of unity. The children also had the chance to ask questions on various topics.

The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, explained that “through this initiative we also provided a unique experience to these children, who had the chance to ask questions and understand the realities of a successful former professional player, and the commitment needed not only to succeed in their sporting careers but also in life.”

Present for this event were the President of the Malta Football Association, Bjorn Vassallo, together with the two Vice Presidents, Matthew Paris and Trustin Farrugia Cann.

The MFA President stated that the common foundation in all of this is the love for football, and that initiatives like these continue to strengthen the unity that the sporting spirit brings with it. He emphasised the Association’s commitment to continue working closely with the football clubs that implement such initiatives.

While speaking in favour of the players’ dedication, which leads them to a successful sporting career, he also underlined the importance of opportunities for children to grow up in a positive and adequate environment so that their development is holistic and positive.

President of Fgura United FC, Larkin Bonnici outlined that “Today’s visit marks the culmination of our long-standing social drive through football. It was emotional to see Jamie listening so attentively to the proposals from our Players’ Council, whose role is to serve as a think tank for social initiatives that strengthen our communities. We look forward to the prospect of further collaboration with Jamie’s foundation, as we share common principles.”