What an experience! These were the words of Silvio Tanti and Mariano Debono after they took part respectively, as fourth official and assistant referee, in the UEFA Under 17 Mini Tournament held at the Hibernians and Victor Tedesco grounds. It was the first international experience for both of them so it will be something that will remain imprinted in their memories forever.

Matches were won and lost yet our officials acquitted themselves very well and both UEFA Referees Observers were very impressed with the way they performed their duties. It is obvious that in a week’s tournament it is not all work and no play. After all besides participating in the tournament, Silvio and Mariano, also had to play hosts to the Albanian, Israeli and Portugese officials nominated by UEFA. They guided then around our beautiful island and show them the scenes. From what I have heard they made excellent guides especially of Mdina – and here they took time off for coffee and cakes on the magnificent bastions from where more than half our county is visible with its wonderful churches and monuments.


Another stop was near the sea at Ghar Lapsi and Wied Iz-Zurrieq where they did go near the sea but dared not dip their little finger in the water. After all it was late November and the water temperature was not at all welcoming. Malta’s  sites are unsurpassed and the foreign referees were favourably impressed by what they saw.


The cherry on the cake for Mariano was that a few weeks later he was accepted by FIFA as our new nomination on the panel of assistant referees. This under 17 tournament was just a stepping stone up a ladder which could lead to much more important assignments. Silvio, who is in our Top Division Pool of referees, told me of his great satisfaction that he was chosen to participate in such a tournament and of his feeling of happiness that he met foreign officials which helped him exchange views with them on various topics but especially about their country and culture.