Opening Message

tel: (+356) 79544434

email: info@uomfutsal.org

Throughout the years, the University of Malta Futsal Team has implemented several innovative and dynamic initiatives to ascertain that the organisation achieves a continuous growth as a student organisation whilst also being competitive in the futsal leagues organised by the Futsal Malta Association.

As a student organisation, it was always difficult to attract students to follow us, especially since the organisation is not faculty-based. However, the enthusiasm of the executive committee always enabled the organisation to aim higher and to represent students as much as possible. Being the only sports organisation on campus competing in official league matches, the organisation felt that it would be seriously lacking if it did not take it upon itself to instill a social policy office and start participating more into issues which affect both sports athletes and students alike. It is for this reason that this year the Policy office was introduced within the UM Futsal Executive Committee. The objective of this office is to discuss and tackle problems within the local sports community.

Formulating a plan for a new office without any previous experience within the field was never going to be an easy task. The office led by the Social Policy Officer managed to conduct various events to date relating with social issues that can affect both students and their relatives. With the consistent help and work of all members and various opinions from athletes within the futsal field, the organisation is proud to present a Policy Paper discussing Sports and Education, two important pillars within the community.

With the publication of such a paper, the organisation is setting a stepping stone for future

work within the policy office. In doing so, the organisation is keeping true to its commitment to be pro-active at the University of Malta and also within the sports sector. The organisation is always looking forward to expand its horizons and conducting informed and educated discussions between students and athletes at the University of Malta. The paper makes sure to give a perspective of these social issues faced by athletes by presenting first-hand experiences of these athletes. It is the organisations’ vision to present this paper to both Governmental Sports Entities and also the the Malta

tel: (+356) 79544434 Football Association in order to create healthy discussions on the proposals being presented. email: info@uomfutsal.org Upon the presentation of this paper, UM Futsal will be providing the opportunity to discuss these topics on a national level and showcasing the students desire to be heard and be accounted for by sports institutions. This step should encourage more persons to voice their opinions in sports on a national level to implement changes leading to the growth of the sports industry and also education within the tertiary level. I would like to close off my opening remarks by congratulaing UM Futsal Social Policy Officer, Mr Hertian Salameh Cachia, for his sterling work throughout the year through events conducted leading to the issue of this policy paper. I would also like to encourage prospective readers of this paper to engage with us in discussions and voice your remarks within the discussed criteria and also the proposals being brought forward. This also extends to relevant stakeholders and associations, whereby together we can work towards a brighter future for local athletes and the sports industry itself. Thank you for your time. KURT RIZZO UM FUTSAL PRESIDENT