The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), in collaboration with the Bank of Valletta (BOV), has officially launched the BOV Girls’ Water Polo Academy, a new initiative designed to encourage more girls to take up water polo and strengthen the future of the sport in Malta.
The Academy reflects the ASA’s commitment to introducing more girls to water polo by providing an inclusive and professionally organised programme where participants can develop their skills, confidence and ambition. The initiative aims to remove financial and administrative barriers, offer year-round training under the guidance of the national team’s technical staff, and provide opportunities to compete both locally and internationally.
“The Girls’ Water Polo Academy represents a significant long-term investment in the future of women’s water polo in Malta,” said ASA President Karl Izzo. “We strongly believe that talent should be identified, developed and supported from an early age. Our goal is to see these girls progress in the sport, become active members of our clubs and, ultimately, earn the opportunity to represent Malta on the international stage.”
Speaking at the launch, Bank of Valletta Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius said: “At the Bank, and through the BOV Foundation, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and encouraging wider participation in sport. We are proud to support the BOV Girls’ Water Polo Academy because it gives girls the chance to discover their potential, build confidence and pursue their sporting ambitions. Investing in today’s youth is an investment in the future of our communities.”
Agius added that the Academy is another example of the Bank’s commitment to helping more people achieve their sporting aspirations.
The Academy is aimed at girls between the ages of nine and 12 and will provide a fun, safe and supportive environment where participants can develop their abilities while nurturing a passion for water polo. Training sessions will be led by qualified coaches under the supervision of Head Coach Aurélien Cousin, assisted by Anthony Farrugia, who also serve as the Head Coach and Assistant Coach of Malta’s Women’s National Teams.
As part of a wider programme to increase female participation in water polo, the initiative will also include ten free introductory sessions in schools. These sessions are intended to introduce the sport to new audiences while helping identify emerging talent.
With Malta currently facing a shortage of female water polo players, the Academy has been specifically created to encourage more girls to participate in the sport. Those who demonstrate commitment and potential will be invited to join the Academy, where they will benefit from free training sessions twice a week throughout the year, regardless of whether they are registered with a local club.
The programme is based on a structured four-year development plan, giving participants the opportunity to compete in both local league competitions and international tournaments as they continue their sporting development.
