Young footballers to sharpen skills in Emirates Challenge

Promising Maltese football hopefuls will compete next month for the chance to sharpen their skills on the pitch with help of Dubai-based Emirates Airline.

Talented young players born in 1991 and 1992 are being invited to battle it out in the third edition of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge, hosted by Chelsea Supporters Club - Malta on May 30 at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali.

It is organised with the full approval of the Malta Football Association and officially recognised by Chelsea FC, of the English Premier League.

During the presentation of the sponsorship, District Manager, Paul Fleri Soler, said: "Emirates Airline is delighted to extend its sponsorship agreement with Chelsea Supporters Club-Malta for the third year running and continuing its association with the Supporters Club.

"Young aspiring footballers require all the encouragement they can get. We are very pleased by the professional way in which Chelsea Supporters Club - Malta organises the Challenge and we hope that most nurseries will take part in this forthcoming event."

Present on the occasion was CSCM president Joe Anastasi.

He thanked Fleri Soler and said: "We look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership over the coming years with Emirates as each edition of this Challenge goes from strength to strength."

Each youth nursery selects two top players, one born in 1991 and another in 1992. They will be tested on three individual skills according to the Set Minimum Standards of the clubs - dribbling, juggling and shooting.

The judging panel will be composed of established local coaches.

Application forms and regulations have been mailed to all clubs in Malta and Gozo. The closing date for entries is Friday. Any nursery that has not received the application forms is urged to contact the Challenge coordinator, Chris Micallef, on 21-311434 or Joe Anastasi on 21-383423.