The fixtures for the Pepsi Football Festival Season 2004/05 for Under-10 and Under-12 teams were announced today by the Youth Football Association (YFA). The games will be held between November and May with a participation of forty-three teams.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Pepsi Football Festival, Mr Alfred Cacciattolo, said that the Under-12 matches will kick off on Saturday, 13 November at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali, whilst the Under-10 matches will commence two weeks later on Saturday, 27 November, also at the Centenary Stadium. Parents of the players as well as the general public are invited to watch the games.

“All matches will once again be played on artificial turf: Under-12 matches at the Centenary Stadium and Under-10 matches at various pitches, such as the University Grounds, the Luxol Ground at St Andrew’s, St Patrick’s Ground in Zabbar, San Andrea School in Mgarr and the Gudja Ground. This has always been a priority for the YFA to further develop the standard of football for young players,” continued Mr Cacciattolo.

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, President of the YFA, stated that the Pepsi Football Festival is the ideal opportunity to develop young players’ talent in football as small-sided games give all children the chance to play.

“It is also important for parents and coaches to encourage the children to look at fair play so that whilst developing their football skills we are also building their character,” continued Fr Hilary. 

Mr Pierre Stafrace, Marketing Manager at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc said, “This is the eighth consecutive year that Pepsi is sponsoring the Under-10 games and the fifth consecutive year for the Under-12 games. During this festival, children have the opportunity to play on artificial turf which enhances the standard of play. The festival also provides a multitude of events where children can enjoy themselves playing football whilst improving their skills.”

“Pepsi is associated with football all around the world, including Malta. The Pepsi Football Festival is designed to provide budding footballers with the opportunity to practise their favourite sport and thus is in line with Pepsi’s international strategy to encourage a sport which is so popular with young Pepsi drinkers.” said Alison Schembri, Pepsi Brand Executive.

Fr Hilary concluded by thanking Simonds Farsons Cisk plc for the support of children’s education through football and their cooperation in the organization of the festival.