Fine skills and talent at Emirates Challenge

The first Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2002 was organised last weekend by the Chelsea Supporters Club - Malta with the aim of discovering new football talent.

Sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, the Challenge featured young footballers from 13 nurseries. The competition took place at the Centenary Stadium at Ta` Qali.

The nurseries were: Birkirkara, Birzebbuga; Ghajnsielem; Kercem Ajax; Melita; Msida St Joseph; Nadur Youngsters; Hibs; Pietà Hotspurs; Sliema Wanderers; St Patrick; St Andrews and Valletta.

The adjudicating panel consisted of three established coaches, namely Jimmy Briffa, Edward Aquilina, and Robert Kelly.

Chris Harris, Chelsea FC Development Officer, travelled to Malta specifically for this event. He is the director of development courses at the Chelsea FC Youth Academy. Harris was impressed with the facilities and talent in the Maltese youngsters.

Emirates representative in Malta, Edward Custò, presented the Emirates Shield to Matthew Schembri, from the Sliema nursery.

Schembri, coached by Albert Cristiano who trains the U-12s, was also accompanied by head coach Marco Grech. Schembri also won the U-12 category of the Challenge. Malcolm Vella won the U-11 category.

Each winner received a trophy and a prize of Lm100 worth of Chelsea FC branded goods. Both Sliema and Kercem nurseries received Lm60 in cash to purchase equipment.

Supporters club president, Joe Anastasi, said: "On behalf of Chelsea FC, the supporters club and the organising committee, I would like to thank the coaches and the young participants who have shown enthusiasm, dedication and remarkable talent. Our organisation has done every effort to make the Challenge a successful one."

Emirates` sponsorship of Chelsea FC, following a deal worth $24m, which runs for four years, is said to be one of the biggest in the world of football.

The Maltese young footballers were among the first to benefit from this sponsorship through the Challenge which was organised with the full approval of the Malta FA.

Chelsea supporters wishing to join the club may contact Anastasi on Tel. 383423.