Maltese Football is amongst the oldest outside the United Kingdom, no doubt introduced by the thousands of British sailors and soldiers who used to be stationed on the island during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century.
The British connection can still be seen in the name of some of the oldest Maltese clubs - St George's, St Patrick's, Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers - just as much as the general jargon on the terraces during matches - corner, foul, off-side, come on Blues and play-the-whistle - testifies to this historical attachment. Some top Italian - mostly Sicilian - and Tunisian clubs, likewise started by British servicemen, initially recruited the best Maltese footballers for their earliest squads until they started to produce their own talents.
Footballing life has of course turned full circle since and most of these clubs are today considered top European contenders, while Maltese football, minuscule as it has always remained, is concentrated on local competitions that from time to time produce their own solitary idol for the bigger clubs of Europe. Michael Mifsud who currently plays with Coventry is the latest Maltese footballing export for example. National league and cup competitions take place at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali, a former RAF airfield.
Derby matches and clashes between title contenders attract fairly big crowds. They also offer ample entertainment to the visitor intrigued as he or she must be with the unique support that often includes two rival bands playing team anthems amid a sea of contrasting colours. Getting there is easy from Valletta. The stadium has all the modern amenities, including an Olympic-size indoor pool, state-of-the-art gymnasium and the administrative offices of the Malta Football Association, again one of the oldest in the world.
Attending football in Malta is absolutely safe. No violence is tolerated and security measures are taken before and after every game.
Football matches in Malta are held at several venues although most clubs don’t have their own grounds. Premier League matches, for example, are all played at the national stadium in Ta’ Qali which is also where international games are held. For fixtures and more information visit the Malta Football Association website www.mfa.com.mt
