An innovative project to install modern potable water dispensers in football nurseries was launched. The idea behind this initiative is to ensure that every young athlete and community member has easy access to clean, refillable water while cutting down on single-use plastics.
The IlmaGħalik Initiative by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness together with the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) in close collaboration with the Water Services Corporation (WSC), is a major step toward enhancing community health and environmental sustainability. By providing free access to clean drinking water at local football nurseries, the initiative supports public health and significantly reduces plastic waste at community sporting venues.
Minister Miriam Dalli stated, “This initiative is about investing in our children, our communities, and our environment. By ensuring that every young athlete will have access to clean drinking water, we are affirming that sustainable living, cutting down on plastics, and public health are priorities for our society.”
Chief Executive Officer at the Energy and Water Agency Manuel Sapiano, remarked, “This is another initiative aimed at assisting different sectors such as Voluntary Organisations including football clubs and their nurseries. This commitment to sports organisations, encourages them to continue to strengthen their work within the local communities, whilst increasing accessibility to clean drinking water.”
This initiative provides:
- Accessible clean water as refillable water stations make staying hydrated simple and environmentally friendly;
- With EWA covering the costs of installation and maintenance for five years and WSC handling the technical setup, nurseries can concentrate on nurturing young talent and fostering community spirit;
- This initiative is backed by local football bodies – including the Malta Football Association (MFA), Gozo Football Association (GFA), Youth Football Association (YFA), and Gozo Youth Football Association (GYFA) – demonstrating a unified commitment to environmental responsibility.
From her end, Josie Cassar on behalf of the Malta Football Association, stated, “Our aim as the Malta Football Association is to assist our football nurseries and clubs as much as possible, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of children. This initiative will help ensure that these children have access to drinking water and to be properly hydrated when practising the sport.”
Stephanie Rocco, General Secretary of Youth FA, said that the association welcomed initial discussions with the Ministry. She noted that the initiative would allow children in nurseries to access clean, sustainable drinking water while practising football on their premises. Youth FA will collaborate with the EWA to encourage nurseries to apply for the scheme, with support from the mother clubs that legally own the premises.
Football nurseries interested in participating can apply between 24th February and 23rd May 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details and to learn about the process, join the online session on 25th February 2025 at 5:00 PM, or visit www.energywateragency.gov.mt/ilmaghalik-initiative.
