Futsal Tournament on Melita Sports

The 1st edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament was launched by Mr. Alex Falzon and Mr. Jonathan Pisani at a Press Conference held on Monday 28th July 2008 at Corradino Sports Pavilion. Mr. Alex Falzon announced that The Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will start on the 29th August and end on the 31st August. During this three-day event 16 teams will be competing, divided in four groups followed by a knock out stage. The tournament which will be played indoors at the Victoria Sports Complex in Gozo will also be aired on a delayed basis on Melita Sports

A €800 cash price will be awarded to the winning team whilst the runners up will be awarded €200 in cash. Trophies will also be awarded. Prizes will also be given to the Best Player, Top Scorer, Fair play and Best Goalkeeper. The trophies and cash prizes will be presented on Sunday to the winners by Hon. Minister for Gozo Giovanna De Bono.

Mr. Jonathan Pisani, organiser explained how the Futsal game in Malta grew over the past few years with over 90 teams competing in the MFA league divided in 4 divisions and the establishment of the national Futsal team. Mr. Jonathan Pisani also stated that the national team is about to play two friendly matches against England and France. The 1st edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will introduce this game on our sister island were five a side football is already very popular. During the three day Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament, a mini tournament for four female teams, an exhibition game amongst two nursery teams and some fun games between the quarter finals and semi finals will also be held.

The organisers are delighted with the high response from teams received. Mr. Jonathan Pisani mentioned that two of the best Gozitian teams will be participating whilst the strongest Maltese Futsal teams will be taking part, the likes of 2006-2007 1st division champions, 2007-2008 1st division runners up and trophy winners, the strongest foreign Futsal team based in Malta and a good representation from the first and second MFA divisions.

Mr. Mark Muscat from Melita Cable announced that the quarter finals, semi finals and final will be filmed by Melita Sports. Melita Sports will screen these seven games at a later stage. Melita Sports is happy to back such sports giving them exposure. The group stage draws were held whilst every team representative was presented with a free Futsal ball by the main sponsor Sportika of the event Mr. Mario Camilleri.

Finally the organising team thanked the main sponsor Sportika, Melita Sports – Media partner and all other secondary sponsors Enervit, Kyrstal Water, Gutenberg Press, Down Town Hotel, Calypso Hotel, Kelloggs and Gozo Sports Complex, Ministry for Gozo. Event contact number 7901 6016 or email maltafutsal@gmail.com.