Gary Neville launches soccer schools, praises facilities at Fortina Spa Resort

Offering state-of-the-art facilities and specialised treatments, the Spa Mediterranee Thalassotherapie at the Hotel Fortina, Sliema, has earned a reputation as one of the best spa and rehabilitation resorts in Europe.

It is to the testament of the Fortina Spa`s international standing that famous English club Manchester United have chosen it as a rehabilitation centre to aid players with long-term injuries.

Gary Neville, the Manchester United and England defender, is the first high-profile player to benefit from the spa rehabilitation programme as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.

At a news conference at the Hotel Fortina, which now also boasts a specialised à la carte health restaurant, Neville, a self-proclaimed friend of Malta and its people, yesterday announced the new Manchester United-Fortina rehabilitation initiative and also launched his second soccer schools.

"I`m delighted to launch my second soccer schools in Malta. Last year, the schools were a new experience for me, one which I thoroughly enjoyed. Our aim this year is to improve on last year. I have also spoken to a couple of friends from the Manchester United team to visit the schools as Ryan Giggs did in 2001," Neville said.

The Gary Neville Soccer Schools, to be held at the Hibs Ground, will take up to 400 children, spread over two weeks between June 24 and July 5.

Neville was a certainty to play for England in the World Cup before a foot injury in the first leg of United`s Champions League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen put paid to his World Cup dream.

"I`m five weeks into my rehabilitation now. Obviously, it was a massive disappointment to suffer an injury at this stage of my career with the World Cup coming up.

"It is a testament to the facilities at Fortina Spa that Rob Swire, our head physio at United, allowed me to have a short break in Malta whilst continuing with my rehabilitation. I have been working hard everyday at the Fortina Spa and I want to thank all the staff for taking good care of me and for cheering me up a bit," Neville said.

"The Fortina Spa boasts unique facilities which Malta should be proud of."

Alan Zammit, head of physiotherapy at the Fortina Spa, said: "The Fortina Spa was one of the first rehabilitation centres on the islands when it opened doors 12 years ago. Our fitness centre operates under a franchise and recently, Michael Zammit Tabona (managing director) floated the idea that we should create a spa with a difference, a unique resort in Europe.

"At the Fortina Spa, we offer specialised treatments and therapies by professional people, ranging from physiotherapists and beauticians to sports science specialists.

"Knowing that we can provide services that no other centre can offer, we decided to approach clubs over the rehabilitation of players. Manchester United were our preferred target not only because of their stature but also due to their affinity with Malta.

"A few months ago, I visited Carrington where I promoted our health club with Mr Swire and also had a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager," Zammit said.

On June 22, Swire will deliver a lecture on groin injuries to local doctors, physiotherapists and anyone interested in sports injuries, at the Hotel Fortina.

"Our idea is to enable players to relax here while continuing their recovery from injury and Neville is the first world-class player to benefit from it. It`s been a pleasure to work with him not only because he`s a world-class player but also because he is a nice person to know, one who is always willing to listen to our ideas," Zammit concluded.