© 2009 MTA - Jurgen Scicluna

Ferencvaros in Malta for a week long training camp

Ferencvaros, or ‘Fradi’ as they are affectionately known to their vast support, are probably the most famous club in Hungary. They have won the top League and the National Cup more times than any other Hungarian club and in the 1964/65 season they proudly lifted the old European Fairs Cup and they have agreed to bring their prized copy of this famous trophy with them when they visit Malta. The club is currently top of the Hungarian Second Division and managed by ex Sheffield United, Derby County and Leeds United striker Bobby Davison.

Their cosmopolitan squad, that is renowned for playing attractive football, includes players from across the globe with Canada, Slovakia, Jamaica, China and the Ivory Coast all having players in their squad, which also includes several players signed or on loan from Sheffield United FC. The game should prove a tough test for the players from Malta, but one they should relish and the football community of Malta will enjoy the skills of the home players and the visiting team.

This training camp has been made possible with the collaboration of Sheffield United. The latter’s playing legends Tony Currie and Alan Hodgkinson will also be coming to Malta as part of the build-up to the game against a Maltese Selection of players on 4 February at 19.30 at Ta’ Qali.

They will be joined by current United star Gary Speed – the Welsh international who holds the record number of Premier League appearances. Hodgkinson, who was the UK’s first Goalkeeping Coach and who was awarded an MBE for his contribution to the game, is to hold a Goalkeeping Master class Training session for a group of young Maltese footballers and local Football Coaches are able to attend and watch if desired.

The Blades’ Gary Speed along with the Management Team of Ferencvaros, Craig Short and Bobby Davison have made almost 2000 Premiership and English Football League appearances between them for various Clubs including Sheffield United, Everton, Newcastle United, Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers. The three of them will be undertaking a Question and Answer session for Nursery players during the week.

The Sheffield United Staff and Ambassadors will visit schools in Malta as well as visiting the Children’s Ward at the Hospital to hand out some SUFC gifts and Captain Blade, United’s mascot, will be helping to bring some cheer to the children.

Captain Blade will also help launch a Sheffield United Junior Blades branch here in Malta. Representatives of the club will this week be in Malta looking to expand upon the successful Junior Blades membership that they have in the UK, by offering all Maltese Juniors the chance to link up with the Blades and become an official supporters of the club. 

All children who join as members could have the chance to visit Sheffield and be a mascot at a Sheffield United Football game.  Exchange visits for members, and Football Coaching courses with Sheffield United goalkeeper Justin Haber have also been planned as part of the initiative. Sheffield United will be handing out flyers at the match or supporters can go on the Junior Blades website www.sufcjuniorblades.com to register.

A “Maltese Junior Blades” scheme will also be introduced, encouraging Maltese children to be informed and supportive of the partnership between Sheffield United and Malta.