WATERPOLO Men’s European U15 Water Polo Championships Qualification Tournament – Malta Selection announced

The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta has announced the final selection for the team representing Malta at the forthcoming Group C qualification matches for the Men’s European Under 15 Water Polo Championships.

Photo Credit: ASA / Rita Azzopardi

The Championships, which are a biennial event, held under the auspices of the Ligue Européenne de Natation (LEN), were postponed from March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

National Team Coach Anthony Farrugia expressed his satisfaction at the team’s preparation. The dedication put in by the team and their coaches and officials has been commendable. Athough match practice has been lacking, there has been no lack of physical training and the squad have been training regularly in preparation for this event.

Farrugia expressed his gratitude towards the ASA, Sport Malta, the Ministry of Health and Department of Public Health and commended the collaboration between entities to ensure that the team would be as best prepared under the current circumstances.

“It would be easy to try and make excuses and blame the pandemic for the lack of match experience, but we do not take that approach. From a young age we are trying to instil a winning mentality” explained Farrugia. “These are not easy games, and there will be a degree of pressure, but one needs to go and play these kind of matches with a positive attitude, and that is not something the boys are short of. I am confident that they will do Malta proud.”

For Malta to proceed to the finals, which should take place in Loule, Portugal between the 4th and 11th July, they would need to win at least one game. However, The number of goals is important, as it will all boil down to the goal difference.

Competitions will take place behind closed doors but will be live streamed on the ASA YouTube Channel. Matches will take place as per below schedule

Friday 28^th May 1830hrs Malta vs Slovenia

Saturday 29^th May 1830hrs Slovenia vs France

Sunday 30^th May 1030hrs Malta vs France

The Maltese team will be supported by National Coach Anthony Farrugia, ASA Secretary General Rita Azzopardi, Official Nigel McCarthy and Physiotherapist John Xerri de Caro.

Final Team List