The Hockey Association Malta (HAM) officially unveiled its ambitious new 10-year strategic plan, ADVANCE, at the Kordin Sports Complex on Wednesday evening, marking a significant milestone for the future development of the sport on the island.
The launch event brought together key figures from Maltese sport and EuroHockey, underlining the collaborative effort behind the plan.
** Pictures: Robert Busuttil
It has been developed as part of the Organisational Health programme run by EuroHockey which has already supported several national associations accelerate their strategic planning.
Working closely with Sport Malta, the Maltese Olympic Committee and AIMS (Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport) – and supported by the FIH – it reflects a commitment to long-term growth and sustainability.
Opening the evening, Hockey Association Malta President David Agius set the tone for the occasion, saying: “Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey for the development of hockey in Malta.
“ADVANCE represents the transformation of our collective dreams, needs and aspirations into a clear and practical vision for the future, and we are eager to begin turning this vision into reality.
‘Together with Phil Taylor, we have worked to ensure that this strategy reflects the voices and involvement of all stakeholders. While the presentation and launch mark the culmination of many months of work, they also represent the beginning of a new chapter for hockey in Malta.”
The strategy itself was presented shortly after by Phil Taylor, EuroHockey consultant and CEO of Blueprint Sport, alongside Tom Pedersen-Smith, Head of Strategy & Development at EuroHockey. Also present was EuroHockey Executive Board member Peter Elders who reflected on the strategy and congratulated the HAM for its comprehensive strategy.
Among the guests for the launch were representatives from the Maltese Olympic Committee, including Secretary General Joseph Cassar and President Julian Pace Bonello, as well as AIMS Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Dr Sihon Gauci Gonzalez.
Key Priorities in the strategic plan
While the full plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap, several key themes stand out as central to Malta Hockey’s ambitions over the next decade:
1. Growing Participation and Grassroots Development
A central pillar of the strategy is increasing participation at all levels, particularly among the youth, to build the player-base. This includes:
- Expanding school-based hockey programmes
- Strengthening links with educational institutions
- Creating clear entry pathways for beginners
2. Club Development and Domestic Competitions
Supporting club growth is another major focus, with plans to:
- Enhance club structures and governance
- Increase competitiveness within domestic leagues
- Provide greater support for volunteer development
3. Talent Pathways and High Performance
The ADVANCE strategy outlines a more structured performance pathway, designed to:
- Identify and nurture emerging talent
- Improve coaching standards and support systems
- Strengthen national team competitiveness
4. Coaching, Officiating and Workforce Development
Investing in people is a key theme, with initiatives aimed at:
- Developing a larger pool of qualified coaches and officials
- Improving education and accreditation systems
- Supporting volunteers who are fundamental to the sport’s ecosystem
5. Facilities and Infrastructure
Recognising the importance of quality playing environments, Malta Hockey aims to:
- Maximise use of existing facilities such as Kordin
- Advocate for improved and sustainable hockey infrastructure
- Ensure access to suitable training and competition venues
6. Governance and Partnerships
The strategy places a strong emphasis on governance and collaboration, focusing on:
- Transparent and effective administration
- Building partnerships with local and international bodies
- Aligning with national sports frameworks and integrity standards through AIMS
The evening concluded with Peter Elders, EuroHockey Executive Board Member, reflecting on the previous presentations by first complementing David Angius on his great speech that could be used as an insert to the report.
Then he continued by inviting HAM and the clubs to make this into a working document which stays on top of their desks.
To conclude, he stated President Roosevelt’s message as a wish to all parties involved: “reach for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground.”
After these reflections, Elders presented Qormi HC with their award as EuroHockey Small Club of the Year, a testament to the progress and potential within Maltese hockey.
