The Fun Fit Five programme has proved to be an enjoyable one so far as the coaches involved in this project are delighted with the feedback received by the students.
Back in September, the Malta FA in collaboration with MCAST launched this Fun Fit Five project which gives the opportunity to a trio of Year 4 classes to have one lesson of physical activity every single day.
The schools taking part in this programme are Żejtun Primary School (St Thomas Moore College), Rabat Primary School (St Nicholas College) and Pieta’ Primary School (Dun Ġorġ Preca College).
Encouraged by the successful introduction of the Fun Fit Football programme in primary schools last season, the Malta FA, through the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation, together with with MCAST will be conducting a research on the potential benefits and effects a physical activity programme, spanning five days a week, would have for pupils and students.
Beyond the attention and publicity given to competitive football, the Malta FA is stepping up its commitment to act as a catalyst in fostering a sports culture from a young age as this is the foundation for development at every level in sports. This is also central to the strategy of the Association,” Malta FA General Secretary Angelo Chetcuti had said during the official launch of the project back in September.
“The launch of this study titled Fun Fit Five is an important part of this commitment to encourage our children to do more physical activity. This initiative is only possible thanks to the resources and assistance the Malta FA receives through UEFA and FIFA assistance programmes
This educational initiative complements the Fun Fit Football project launched last season in government primary schools across Malta and Gozo. Around 17,000 boys and girls took part in the Fun Fit Football sessions which, from this season, are being extended to church and private schools.”
Dr Clifton Grima, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, had explained how the Government is committed to increasing the time allocated to physical education and establish a minimum number of lessons.
“We want to move towards a model whereby the children have one physical education activity on a daily basis,” he had said during the press conference.
Dr Chris Fearne’s Ministry of Health have also followed up the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation in committing themselves to this unique project.
The Fun Fit Five study will be carried out by a research team comprising of four MCAST researchers – Dr Melanie Darmanin, Dr Renzo Kerr-Cumbo, Dr Matthew Muscat Inglott, Mr Heathcliff Schembri together with Malta FA Researcher Karl Attard.
MEYR Centre for PE and Sport, is another partner in the project.
