Out-of-contract footballers have found new clubs, says MFPA

The Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) said that it was satisfied that most of the players who participated in the training camp for out-of-contract players, have since found a club and signed a contract.

MFPA followed other FIFPro members and organised the training camp for the first time. The aim of the training camp was to help players without a club to find a new employer and sign a contract. “It was also set up to help players affected by the ridiculous and primitive rule, that a fee must be paid to the club at the end of a player’s contract to be allowed to sign a contract with another club. This rule still applies in Malta,” it said in a statement.

The training camp took place at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun, between the 16th June and the 4th July.

In total, 30 players took part in the training camp, both of Maltese nationality as well as foreigners. Some of the foreign players have already played in the local leagues but others were new to the local football scene, MFPA said.

The training was overseen by the coach Renzo Kerr-Cumbo, who was assisted by coach Steve Vella, goalkeeping coach Michael Church, a physiotherapist Aaron Saliba and the kit manager Paul Schembri.

All the players were given a full kit and the training camp was free of charge.

Comments from players were very positive. Kurt ‘Maxi’ Magro said that since he was out of contract and not in the plans of the team coach he used to train alone until this training camp came along. Kurt trained for 3 weeks and also was involved in a friendly match. He thanked the MFPA administration for helping him to sign a contract with a Premier League club.

Roderick Bajada, who was searching for a new club, said that the camp was organised in a very professional way. “There were all the conditions to enjoy one’s self, a good pitch, professional coaches, all the necessary equipment and a group of players who were willing to work hard and enjoy themselves.

Another player, Clive Brincat was fortunate enough to have signed a new contract just after a couple of sessions. He thanked the MFPA and said that he is looking forward to taking part in future training camps.

Goalkeeper Andrea Cassar also had positive comments after participating in the camp and signing for a new club. “It was a positive initiative and very useful for out-of-contract players,” he said. “This camp gave the opportunity for players to impress for prospective clubs.”

Carlo Mamo, the MFPA General Secretary coordinated and organized this camp, and was assisted by MFPA Executive Committee members Mark Barbara and Konrad Sultana.

The training camp ended with a friendly match against the Maltese Champions and last season’s double winners Valletta FC, who won 2-1.

The MFPA has set an ambitious target for next year - to participate in the summer FIFPro tournament.