The Youth Football Association (YFA) launched the Gatorade Fun Football Festival Season 2006/07 today during a meeting held for all Youth Nurseries at the Farsons Brewery.

The games for Under-10 and Under-12 teams will be held between November and May with the biggest ever participation with nearly all affiliated nurseries 44 out of 45. The Under-10 matches will kick off on Saturday, 11th November whilst the Under-12 matches kick off on Saturday, 2nd December and both will be played at the Centenary Stadium.

“Players of this age look at these Fun Festivals with great enthusiasm and thus inspire our Association to continue working hard to organise these events,” said Mr Alfred Cacciatolo, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Gatorade Fun Football Festival.

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, President of the Youth FA, stressed the importance of discouraging competition and pressure on winning. “One has to look at the Gatorade Fun Football Festivals as a preparation of the physical, social and educational upbringing of the future of our youths. It is also important for parents and coaches to understand that a focus has to be made on fair play so that whilst developing children’s football skills, we are also building their characters,” said Fr Hilary.

Joe Micallef, General Secretary of the Youth FA delivered his gratitude to Farsons that, for the last nine consecutive years, supported the Association first with Pepsi and now with Gatorade as main sponsor of these events.

“This is the perfect opportunity for a sports brand that is associated worldwide with all types of sports especially football, to reach a young target market. During the Gatorade Fun Football Festivals, whilst improving their football skills, children are also developing social skills and enjoying themselves playing at a game they love,” said Mr Ivan Filletti, Marketing Manager, Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.

Ms Alison Schembri, Gatorade Brand Executive said “For these last eight years Pepsi has been the official sponsor for the Under-10 and Under-12 Football Festivals. This is the ninth year that a Farsons brand is sponsoring these festivals with Gatorade a leader in sports drinks. Gatorade will continue its support towards these young footballers to play fun football games in a proper environment. Gatorade will also serve to rehaydrate, replenish and refuel the young athletes during their games.”

Fr Hilary concluded by thanking Gatorade for its new support of children’s education through football and their cooperation in the organization of the festival.