Hockey Association Malta recently hosted a strategic planning meeting, co-funded by the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Grant, aimed at shaping the long-term development of the sport on the island.

Over the three days, EuroHockey’s Head of Strategy Tom Pedersen-Smith and consultant Phil Taylor from Blueprint engaged in a series of high-level discussions with local and national stakeholders.

Day one began with a visit to the Maltese Olympic Committee where they met President Julian Pace Bonello and Director of Sport Charlene Attard.

Later that evening, the delegation held constructive talks with the executive committee of the Hockey Association Malta and representatives from the country’s clubs – Qormi HC, Zurrieq Hotsticks, Floriana Young Stars HC, White Hart HC, and Marsascala Heat – followed by an informal gathering with players and staff of the national team, led by head coach Chris Attard.

Day two’s agenda focused on collaboration with national institutions. Meetings took place with SportMalta officials Ryan Fenech and Gianluca Azzopardi Spiteri at the Cottonera Sports Complex, followed by discussions with the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS), chaired by Judge Emeritus Antonio Mizzi together with Ryan Borg, Director of Strategy and International Relations.

The visit concluded with a working session alongside the Malta Hockey Association to consolidate outcomes and next steps.

This Strategic Planning Meeting marked an important step in reinforcing hockey’s structures in Malta, ensuring that clubs, athletes, and administrators can work together towards a sustainable and ambitious future for the sport.