Rittrat -MFAMalta’s first-ever FIFA Arena mini-football pitch was inaugurated on Monday morning at Maria Regina College Primary School in St Paul’s Bay. The facility forms part of FIFA’s global FIFA Arena project, a major initiative launched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to construct 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide, offering safe and inclusive spaces for children to play, learn, and grow.
Maria Regina College St Paul’s Bay Primary was chosen as the location due to its diverse student population, which includes around 700 children representing 51 different nationalities.
Distinguished Guests and Football Icons
The inauguration ceremony was led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, together with Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Dr Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia, Head of School Victoria Spiteri, and St Paul’s Bay Mayor Censu Galea. Football legends Fabio Cannavaro and Christian Vieri also attended, giving students a rare opportunity to meet two icons of the global game.
“A Key Launch” for Football Development
Speaking at the event, Infantino described the opening of Malta’s FIFA Arena as a “key launch in the development of this project which coincides with the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary.”
“FIFA places youth at the heart of the development of football, and the launch of the FIFA Arena in Malta will help change the lives of children, providing a safe space in which to learn, play and grow,” Infantino said.
“The vision of FIFA Arena globally is to positively engage millions of young girls and boys around the world, fostering inclusion and using football as a powerful tool for social change.”
Local Voices of Support
Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo expressed pride that Infantino personally attended the inauguration, noting the significance of this milestone in the same year that the Malta FA celebrates its 125th anniversary. He also underlined the Association’s focus on grassroots development, saying the new pitch will “give many children the opportunity to play football, integrate, and also put down barriers.”
Minister Clifton Grima highlighted the project as a “proud moment for Malta’s education and sports community,” stressing the values of teamwork, respect, and inclusivity that children can gain through sport.
Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia added a personal touch, recalling his own career in football and underlining the life lessons it provides. He praised the project as a demonstration of how “Government, educators, and children can come together in a spirit of unity and opportunity.”
Football Inspires the Next Generation
The event concluded with a short children’s match on the new pitch, marking the beginning of what is hoped to be a lasting legacy for young people in St Paul’s Bay and beyond.
The FIFA Arena initiative continues to expand globally, with Malta now joining the list of countries where the project is already changing lives through football.
