© 2009 MTA - Jurgen Scicluna

Sheffield United and Ferencvaros community programme in Malta

The Sheffield United and Ferencvaros visit to Malta kicked off in fine style this week when the representatives from the Clubs began a series of visits this week, culminating in the unveiling of the SUFC Museum collection display at the Auberge d’Italie in Valletta, opening on Wednesday the 4th February at 4.00p.m., and the Ferencvaros Vs MFA XI game to be played at Ta’ Qali tomorrow night (Wed 4/02) at 7:30pm.

Sheffield United and England legend Tony Currie, Vice Chairman Chris Steer, Corporate Director Andy Daykin, Museum manager and Education Officer John Garrett, Junior Blades Manager Katie Procter; along with Club Patron Andy Arrand and Dave McCarthy Special Project Manager, joined by Club Mascot Captain Blade, visited St Ignatius School in Qormi, St Margaret’s College in Birgu and St Nicholas Boys secondary school in Mtarfa.

The school children participated in coaching sessions with Tony Currie before attending a talk on the family and history of Sheffield United F.C. An authentic replica of the F.A Cup, the most famous football trophy, also came along for the visit, and everyone managed to get their picture taken with it over the course of these visits.

“The kids involved were absolutely superb”, a Club official said, “all so interested, involved and switched on. It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved with all concerned. Football is a passion that we share very much with Malta”.

Local hero Justin Haber joined the team on Tuesday and talked about his life as a professional player with Sheffield United, his ambition to play in the first team and the pride he feels in the country of his birth. Justin proved that he is a role model that all Maltese kids can look up to.

The second day came to a close with a very emotional visit to the children’s wards at Mater Dei, where Captain Blade, SUFC officials and players from Ferencvaros distributed gifts and spoke to many of the children recovering there.

The ‘Slice of Football History’ exhibition at the Auberge d’Italie, Valletta, opened on Wednesday the 4th of February at 4:00pm and will be open to the public on Thursday 5th February and Friday 6th February from 8:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th from 8:30am – 1:00pm and Monday the 9th February from 8:00am – 7:00pm.

Programme of events

Thursday, January 29

16.30 hrs

Press Conference at MTA

Monday 2nd February

09.30hrs

Visit of Sheffield United Officials to St. Ignatius School (Tal- Handaq) in the town of Qormi - Tony Currie will deliver a 30 mins fun training session to a group of the children and Sheffield United officials will explain aboyt the importance of Sheffield in the history of football

11.00hrs

A visit to St. Margaret’s College, Boys Secondary School for a fun training session by Tony Currie.

Tuesday 3rd February

9.15hrs

Tony Currie and Alan Hodgkinson will deliver a short 20/30 minutes fun training session to a group of children at St. Nicholas Boys Secondary School and talk about the football club and its history and interests.

15.30–16.30hrs

The Ambassadors, Captain Blade and representatives from Sheffield United and some Ferencvaros players will spend around an hour in the hospital chatting to the kids and staff at Children’s Ward of Mater Dei Hospital on a goodwill visit and will distribute some SUFC goodies. 

 

Tuesday 3rd February

18.00–19.00hrs

Goal Keeper Alan Hodgkinson MBE a person who was the first real Goalkeeper Coach will give a training session at St. Benedict School Sports Pitches in Kirkop for Nursery Clubs. Ferencvaros Goalkeepers will be assisting, as will a few Ferencvaros players.

Wednesday 4th February

16.30hrs

Official Opening of Football History Exhibition at the Premises of the Malta Tourism Authority / Parliamentary Secretariat. The Exhibition will contain the FA Cup won a century ago by the club. There will be the team’s Football memorabilia, which would include historical documents and the first set of football rules dating back to 1857 which have up to now never left the UK. The exhibition will be on until Monday, February 9. Opening hours Daily from 8.30 – 19.00 hrs. Saturday and Sunday: 8.30 – 13.00 hrs. Admission is free.

19.30hrs

Game between the Hungarian Team Ferencvaros, who have a great relationship with Sheffield United, and a selected Maltese national team at the National Stadium. – the admission is FREE.

Thursday 5th February

17.00–18.00hrs

Question and Answer Session with young players (and their Coaches?) from the Nursery Clubs. Three ex English Premiership Players, Gary Speed, Bobby Davison and Craig Short (profiles to follow) will sit before invited kids to answer questions from the floor.