Following UoM Futsal‘s AGM on July 26, Andrea Varrazzo has been announced as the organisation’s president for the upcoming term.

2023/24 Executive Team

• President – Andrea Varrazzo
• Vice-President – Ilaria Formosa
• Secretary General – Randy Cassar
• Financial Officer – Jeremy Baldacchino
• Marketing Officer – Kristina Vella
• Events Officer – Benjamin Micallef
• Social Policy Officer – Julia Balzan
• Internal affairs officer – Michaela Briscoe

Presidential Comment

Following last year’s success as an executive committee, UM Futsal has decided to build on experience by retaining most of it’s members while bringing on some fresh faces. We want to continue building on the hard work that led to another cup-winning campaign. Everyone is eager and excited for what the term will bring.

Andrea Varrazzo

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck!

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Sports-related individuals, such as fans, players, and officials, are regularly the targets of hateful comments on social media, including racial, sexist, homophobic, and other forms of prejudice. As a result, there is rising concern about the rise in online hate speech in the sports industry. Although discrimination and hate speech have always been difficulties in sports, the rise of social media has exacerbated these issues.

This year, the Maltese government declared that Bill 260 will strike a compromise between free speech and hate speech. The law will also define and make cyberstalking and cyberbullying into distinct offences that are subject to up to a 5-year sentence in prison and/or a fine of up to EUR 30,000. This was done in an effort to make clear what
these crimes are and to discourage people from doing them. Despite the existence of laws prohibiting hate speech, anti-hate organisations, sports governing bodies, and policy makers find it difficult to keep up with the rapid growth of online hatred.

How Social Media can negatively affect athletes

According to a study that was published in The Sport Journal in 2008, receiving negative feedback and hate mail can be distracting and cause bad moods, anxiety, tension, and an increase in mental energy consumption, all of which can affect an athlete’s capacity to perform effectively. For an athlete to concentrate on the minute aspects of the game that improve performance, such as observing ball movement, choosing the best shot to play, and positioning oneself to catch a high-speed ball, mental energy is necessary. Regardless of an athlete’s skill level, these tasks involve mental effort.

It is common knowledge that some sportsmen receive more media coverage than others since they are more well-known and attract more viewers and clickbait. It’s also common knowledge that individuals enjoy pointing out others’ flaws and reading about them. Because of this, these sportsmen might come under fire, regardless of the team’s success or loss. Media outlets may downplay their accomplishments while highlighting their weaknesses and giving readers the chance to do the same.

Ricky Williams is a good example of how media attention can negatively affect athletes. Williams, a highly talented NFL player, was a standout in college football. The enormous media attention he faced as a professional athlete, along with his social anxiety disorder and profound shyness, prompted him to give up the sport. Williams acknowledged that he dreaded speaking in front of the camera and even went so far as to wear eye shades inside his helmet to prevent eye contact. Williams had outstanding athletic ability, but he couldn’t manage the scrutiny and strain of playing professional football.

Overall, the impact of social media on mental health can be complex and paradoxical. It is important to keep in mind that these athletes are human and everyone makes mistakes.

Then as soon as they missed a penalty, they were not English, just black. Anyone can miss a penalty. Anyone can make a mistake in their line of work. But to be criticised like that should never happen. They are human.

Jude Bellingham

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Meet the new executive:

• President: Luca Falzon
• Vice-President for Futsal Affairs: Benjamin Thomas Scerri
• Vice-President for Student Affairs: Michaela Briscoe
• Secretary-General: Gail Bonnici
• Finance Officer: Britney Agius

• International Officer: Kaz Louise Stoner
• Marketing Manager: Chanelle Formosa
• Social Policy Officer: Kristina Vella
• Events Manager: Julia Balzan

Presidential Comment

The University of Malta Futsal Team will once again strive to compete at the highest possible level of the sport. Following last season’s success for the club, we are working hard to maintain the team’s competitiveness and stability as we head into the new season this September. I would like to thank the great work Kurt has done for the club, and I hope that I can keep on building the great foundation he left for the club. I am lucky to have a mix of experienced and new Executive members within the committee, as this gives a fresh new dynamic with a lot of potential to reach new heights for the club. We look forward to welcome supporters to the games and cheers our players throughout the season.

Luca Falzon, President 2022\23

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck!

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Road to the Trophy !

In order for UM Futsal to reach the final, the team had to win all upcoming matches. However, not only did the team succeed in winning every match, they also got impressive scores during each one of them. They started this campaign by winning against Naxxar Lions Futsal in the Preliminary Rounds 6 – 2 . They followed that by a 14 – 2 win against Mellieha Futsal in the Quarter Finals. they followed that form with a win in the semi-finals against Siggiewi Futsal 10 – 2 just to end the campaign the same way it all started with a 6-2 win in the final.

UM Futsal presidential comment:

A year of hard work culminated in an outstanding victory, repeating our Knockout win in 2018. Last year, when we lost the Challenge Cup Final, I saw something which very few teams can comprehend. All players were comforting each other and we stayed united after the game. Something told me that particular loss was going to launch this team into something unexpected.

It wasn’t an easy task to compete with the big players. The team managed to play in the Semi-Finals of the League for the first time in our history. However, the Knockout Cup is another fairytale chapter in our history books, especially when considering that we have beaten a team that didn’t lose a game locally for the past four years.

I would like to take this moment to express my gratitude to all players, coaches, committee, members, sponsors, and especially families for always being behind us.

Kurt Rizzo President of UM Futsal

The Third Eye Congratulates UM Futsal team on winning the E&L Futsal Trophy !

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In the road to the playoffs, the team managed to beat Mellieha Futsal  (8 – 2) and obtain two crucial draws against Valletta Futsal ( 5 – 5) and Ta’ Xbiex Futsal (3 – 3) in order to achieve a third-place finish in the Premier League.

The other teams that have managed to reach this point alongside UM Futsal are: Valletta Futsal, Luxol ST.Andrews Futsal, and Ta’ Xbiex Futsal.

UM Futsal will be facing Valletta Futsal in the Semi-finals on Friday 22^nd April and Friday 29^th April with both matches starting at 20:45 hrs at the National Sport School, Pembroke. For further information click here.

The achievement obtained by our squad is short of phenomenal with many young players managing to achieve this accomplishment. Our initial target was always to sustainably achieve a top-three finish whilst developing our young squad. The team is now fully focused on our semi-final clash and relish the challenge we have in front of us to try and reach the finals. We also would like to call out all students to attend the matches and give our boys all the support needed in the upcoming games

Kurt Rizzo, President of UM Futsal Stated about this historic milestone.

You can follow and support UM Futsal through their socials here.

The Third Eye Encourages students to come down and support the University Team in their match and We wish all the UM Futsal Team contingent the best of luck in their upcoming match!

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However, studies have shown it fundamental to keep up a physical routine, particularly in times of greater stress and mental demand.

A German professor,Assoc. Prof. Fraser says there’s a reason that successful people, including politicians, keep up a regular fitness routine.

The following are a couple of reasons why engaging in physical activity is fundamental to smashing your exams.

1) Boost your energy levels and increase concentration

Exercises increases blood flow around the body. As your heart rate increases, this increases the body’s metabolic demand. Therefore, simplified, the brain receives more blood flow making it more efficient.

Exercise also induces increased hormone production such as endorphins which is a known mood-booster and are increase the sensation of well-being.

2) Routine

It is important to have a routine and stick to a schedule in exam seasons. Studies have shown that studying in bursts is more efficient than prolonged periods of studying. Therefore, having regular breaks for walks/ jogs/ gym sessions, or any other form of physical activity has actually shown to be related to increased performance in studying efficacy. 

3)  Socialising

It is not uncommon for students enrolled in team sports to neglect their attendance during busy exam periods. This can negatively impact the mental well-being of the student since a change in environment and socialising with teammates can provide mental stimulation and also support of those in situations alike. Besides this, time off from a sport and a sudden return can lead to a period of de-conditioning which can affect performance but more importantly, can lead to injury. At UM Futsal, we feel like we have created a perfect balance of understanding our athlete’s commitments to exams and student-life, whilst supporting them to continue training to the best of their ability creating a healthy balance.

4) Musculoskeletal problems

Have you ever sat at a desk all day only to realise at the end of it that your neck and shoulders ache? Or you can feel a twinge in your lower back?  Sitting down all day shortens your hip flexors, puts strain on your neck, and if you adopt bent-leg positions, it can also cause strain on your knees, ankles, and all other body parts! Therefore, mobilising your body (even with gentle stretches or walking around) is a necessary part of not developing pain and longterm problems. Running, jogging or even walking are perfect methods of adopting better postural habits. Gentle core exercises and stretches of the hip flexors and spinal mobility are also beneficial for promoting this.

Above are just a few tips, tricks, and explanations on staying active during exam seasons. Of course, there are an abundance of further reasons why we should always stay active whether that’s for mental health or to counterbalance all the chocolate we consume in January and also following the Christmas months!

To promote this further, UM Futsal hosted a yoga session on zoom on the 5^th February to destress, mobilise, and help student productivity.

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People often associate athletes with carnivorous eating patterns because performance directly correlates to protein consumption, right?

Whilst the latter is correct, plenty of athletes follow a vegan and plant-based diet. There is an abundance of non-animal-based foods that provide protein, nutrition, and sustenance to an athlete’s diet.

Veganuary is a global campaign where an individual attempts to be vegan, or adopt some vegan habits, throughout the month of January. This is in the hopes that some of these habits or indeed the lifestyle will stick.

Benefits of being vegan

Eating vegan has a never-ending list of benefits including prevention of diseases, decreased risk of heart disease, decreased exposure to additives, more knowledge of the ingredients in your food, and generally this kind of diet generates better moods in the long run.

From this information, it is a no brainer that many successful athletes have decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle and are thriving both health-wise and performance-wise because of this decision.

The following are quotes from successful athletes about their vegan diets and its relationship to performance:

“I’ve found that a person does not need protein from meat to be a successful athlete. In fact, my best year of track competition was the first year I ate a vegan diet. Moreover, by continuing to eat a vegan diet, my weight is under control, I like the way I look. (I know that sounds vain, but all of us want to like the way we look.) I enjoy eating more, and I feel great.” – Carl Lewis, Gold medal Olympian (sprinting)

So many people are shocked when they learn that I fuel my body with a plant-based—vegan—diet. I’m just shocked that it took me 26 years to gain the wisdom to do it!” – David Cartner, NFL player

“I definitely have more energy, an easier digestion, increased metabolism, and much reduced recovery time after workouts. I have less inflammation, can train harder and faster, and my heart and joints are much healthier—there is really nothing negative I can think of as being a vegan athlete.” – Robert Cheeke, bodybuilder

“I had to change my diet. I had to do many changes. I’ve become a raw vegan, and I am not perfect, so I forgive myself when I make mistakes. I do a lot of juicing as well, a lot of wheat grass shots, lots of fresh juices and things like that. I have made huge improvements with raw vegan diet.” – Venus Williams, professional tennis player

“I spent over 1,000 hours looking at peer reviewed medical science and realized that a plant-based diet is superior and optimal for health and athletic performance.” – James Lightning Wilks, Professional Mixed Martial Artist

Netflix’s documentary ‘The Game Changers’ is a great watch exploring the science and evidence-based research behind vegan athletes!  We highly encourage you to jump on the Veganuary wagon this January!

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Where did the word ‘futsal’ come from?

It is a combination of two words. The Spanish or Portuguese words for football FUTbol\FUTebol, and the French or Spanish words for indoor, SALon\SALa. In simple terms, Futsal is a FIFA-recognised form of small-sided indoor football. It is played between two teams, five players each on the pitch at any one time, with rolling substitutions. The ball is smaller than football that is harder and less bouncy.

What are the differences between Futsal and Football? 

Brief History of Futsal

Futsal originated in Uruguay in the 1930s, from Basketball, Handball and Water Polo, which  ultimately explains the 5v5 concept, pitch and goal dimensions and the goalkeeper rules. In 1989,  it became an official sport recognised by FIFA, with the first World Cup being held in 1989 in  the Netherlands, with the winner being Brazil. Throughout the years Futsal has grown and  evolved with the contrast being evident in the number of teams participating in the UEFA  European Championship in 2022 compared with 1999. In 1999, eight teams competed in the  Championships and in 2022, 16 teams will be competing for the Championship.  

Playing Positions 

Depending on the formations and tactics used by the manager, playing positions in Futsal are the following; Goalkeeper, Defender, Winger and Pivot.

The Goalkeeper is the only player on the pitch that can handle the ball with his hands. Furthermore, the Goalkeeper is also involved in outfield play. The Defender is the last man in front of the Goalkeeper and is important in defending the other team’s attacks while also joining their own team’s attack.

The Winger is usually the most fast and skillful player on the court. His role consists of constantly going up and down the flanks. This is in order to aid in defence while also joining the attack.

The Pivot is typically the most forward player on the pitch. Their role consists of holding the play in the opponents half and setting up their team mates or scoring themselves. The Pivot spends most of their time with their  back to the opponents goal.

More articles from UoM Futsal here!

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What is Money Laundering (ML)?

It is “the crime of moving money that has been obtained illegally through banks and other businesses to make it seem as if the money has been obtained legally.” Usually, this is done through banks and other businesses.

In Malta, the maximum penalty for money laundering is a fine not exceeding €2,500,000.00 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 18 years or both. With Malta’s recent emphasis on the fight against Money Laundering, we wonder: how have sport organisations been used in the past to commit this illegal act?

Money Laundering on the Field

A recent Europol report stated that organized crimes are using match-fixing to launder large amounts of money. Football is at the centre of this criminal ring. Football accounts f more than 50% of the global betting market which could be an appealing reason why it is being targeted by the organized criminals.

Watch this video for more on ‘match-fixing’ :

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) also published a report in July 2009 titled ‘Money Laundering through the Football Sector”. There are around 265 million registered football players in the world with the highest ranking in Germany followed by the United States and Brazil. The size and diversity of the sport are huge money-generating factors, which attracts criminal activity to achieve financial gain. In 2008 alone, the 5 biggest European leagues generated a total of 7.2 Billion Euros accumulating 52% of the total globally. According to the FATF, football is being infiltrated through these four ways:

1. Ownership of football clubs
2. The transfer market and ownership of players
3. Betting activities and image rights
4. Sponsorship and advertising arrangements.

Fictitious Example 1: Funding Semi-Professional Football Clubs

To better explain the process, let’s use fictitious accounts of a small football club. This fictitious amateur club always seemed to be in deficit. The owner of the club always chose to balance the books at the end of the season through very generous donations by a number of his companies. After further investigation, it was found that these companies had not properly registered their Financial Statements as required by the law. It was also realized that this fictitious owner had been misusing company funds by withdrawing large amounts of money without justification, which is an ML matter.

Fictitious Example 2: Political Corruption

A businessman acquires ownership of a locally based football club. He invites politically affiliated people to matches and gives them VIP treatment. This is done in order to take advantage of their decision-making powers which puts him in a beneficial position and boosts business growth.

Although these cases of money laundering are not given the spotlight to protect the image of innocence attached to football, it is rather important to raise awareness. After all, football belongs to everyone and we must safe-keep the values enrolled within the beautiful game.

Check out more articles from UoM Futsal here!

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Written by Kaz Louise Stoner

The Maltese are notoriously passionate and patriotic people. With events like the Eurovision, it is truly impressive to see how a country can rally together to sass every other country’s entry in order to hype up our own.

The presence of sports at the University campus is not as prominent as it should be. Where, in other countries, people gather together to support their local teams with mascots, cheerleaders, and general good vibes, it can’t go unnoticed that this student-body cheer is lacking. This is not just at university but also in other sports that are not as well-recognised as football.

With one of our national handball team hosting the EHF Cup and making it to the third round, two gold medals won by Maltese athletes at the Championships of Small States Of Europe, the announcement of the first-ever female weightlifter Yazmin Zammit Stevens who will be representing Malta at the Tokyo Olympics, and many more wins, there is ample to be proud of and support. UM Futsal is here to guide you on how to show a little love to our local athletes.

What can YOU do to support athletes?

Follow their social media

Instagram and Facebook are full of influencers that can sometimes be beneficial but can also promote futile initiatives. Following your local athletes on social media platforms and interacting with their posts is a minimal task that can go a long way. By doing this, you will be expanding the athlete’s or team’s outreach and helping them grow their platform which will help them engage with other athletes or other sponsors. It is also validating for the athlete to know they have support from their country. Besides this, it fills your feed with positive and useful posts that can be inspiring and add some reality to a feed full of selfies and giveaways!

Tune into performances

Unfortunately, COVID has stopped many supporters from being able to sit in the stands and chant and cheer for their favourite teams or athletes. However, most competitions and games have a live stream that you can follow along. The views will mean a lot to the athletes and technical staff supporting those athletes. It will also encourage local entities to continue to share these streams. When the time comes, of course, nothing fills an athlete with more pride than looking to the stands and seeing friendly, familiar faces cheering them on.

Share

If you see a post that is of good news, and can help the club or community, share the post! The more people that can see and engage with these posts the better. News outlets are steadily doing a better job at covering athletic wins. However, the more spread of such articles the better! Sharing the successes and wins of our local athletes will only raise awareness of our local talent and capabilities.

What can WE do together?

Education

Sports should be given more importance from the level of primary education all the way up until reaching university level. It is hard to engrain new normalities into individualised who have been programmed otherwise their whole lives. By investing more time and money into sports education and awareness at younger ages, the problem will be tackled head on.

More funding

It is not a hidden fact that sports funding is unproportionate amongst different sports with certain sports receiving the bulk and some receiving none at all. It is therefore fundamental to invest more into the sports economy for a multitude of reasons. These include:

• Better facilities
• Coaching courses
• Psychological support for athletes
• International opportunities
• Medical support

Preparation for the UM Futsal team is currently in full swing to head to the Challenger’s Cup in the name of our university. Follow our journey on our social media and support your local athletes. All games will be live-streamed.

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