Swieqi United FC Presents National Talent Identification Proposals To Parliament
Swieqi United FC has presented policy recommendations for a national Talent Identification Framework (TIF) for sport in Malta to Shadow Minister for Sport, the Hon. Graham Bencini, at Parliament in Valletta.
The proposals stem from GOAL – Growing Outstanding Athletic Leaders, an Erasmus+ Sport Small-scale Collaborative Partnership co-funded by the European Union. Led by Swieqi United FC, the project brings together HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and Finland’s Union Plaani.
The policy paper outlines 12 recommendations for Malta and eight for the European Commission, addressing the absence of a structured national system for identifying and developing young sporting talent. It advocates assessing future potential alongside current performance, accounting for differences in physical maturation, tracking athletes’ long-term development and training coaches and scouts to recognise and reduce bias.
The framework also prioritises athlete wellbeing, safeguarding, gender equity, data protection and nutrition education. While football serves as the pilot sport, the proposed model is intended to be adapted by other sports in Malta. It also highlights the importance of stronger links between schools, clubs and national sporting bodies, with physical education teachers trained to recognise potential and guide young athletes towards suitable pathways.
Swieqi United FC President Dr Justin Fenech said the initiative demonstrates the value of European cooperation in developing fairer, evidence-based approaches to sport, ensuring that children are not overlooked because they mature later or lack opportunities.
Hon. Bencini welcomed the initiative, praising the club’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to greater equity in sport.
The club has also requested meetings with Education and Sport Minister Byron Camilleri and the Malta Football Association to discuss advancing the recommendations at national level.
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