‘Goals For Paws’ Football Initiative For Children In Aid Of Abandoned Animals

Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said has announced the details of the “Goals for Paws” initiative, a football tournament for children aimed at combining sport with a message of solidarity and responsibility towards animals.

The initiative was announced during Malta Animal Awareness Week, a week dedicated to raising further awareness about animal welfare and the proper treatment of animals. Through initiatives such as “Goals for Paws”, the message about the importance of responsibility, respect and empathy towards animals continues to be strengthened, particularly among children.

The tournament will be open to all nurseries across Malta and will take place over a weekend in April 2027. Teams will participate in the under-11 (U11) and under-13 (U13) categories, while U10 and U12 players respectively may form part of the squads. U11 matches will be held at the Marsaskala FC ground, while U13 matches will take place at the Mġarr United FC ground.

Although participation for nurseries will be free of charge, “Goals for Paws” will also have a charitable purpose, with participating children encouraged to make a €5 donation in aid of abandoned animals. Donation boxes will also be placed at both grounds, with all funds collected donated to animal sanctuaries.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said the initiative goes beyond the sporting aspect and aims to instil values of empathy and respect towards animals among children.

“Through ‘Goals for Paws’ we are bringing together two very important things, sport and love for animals. We want our children to understand from a young age that each and every one of us can make a difference in the life of an animal that needs help. This initiative will not only give children the opportunity to enjoy themselves through sport, but will also deliver a strong message of solidarity, responsibility and animal welfare,” Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said said.

During the tournament, a medical service will be present at each ground, as well as an official photography service. U13 matches will be played with nine players against nine and will be overseen by a referee. The list of players for each team must be submitted three days before the tournament. Every player taking part will receive a medal as a memento of their participation, while the winning U13 team will receive a trophy.

The “Goals for Paws” initiative will therefore serve not only as a sporting activity for children, but also as an opportunity to raise further awareness about proper animal welfare, abandoned animals, and the sanctuaries that work every day to protect them.

#MaltaDaily