Location and general information
Employability - 
Gender Equality - 
Healthy lifestyle - 
Personal developmentContext
Malta has some of the highest obesity rates in Europe and a 2018 WHO study found that only 39% of boys and 10% of girls meet the daily recommended physical activity levels. Around a third of young people drop out of organised sport each year, often blaming a lack of enjoyment, rigid structures and limited resources.
The Maltese sport ecosystem remains constrained by structural and cultural factors. Elite development is often prioritised over grassroots sport and mass participation, and girls are less likely to participate because of cultural perceptions and a lack of encouragement. In addition, young people from marginalised backgrounds are often excluded because of financial limitations or a lack of support. The country lacks open spaces where young people can meet up and play a game of football without paying. Malta also has very few programmes specifically designed to develop soft skills through sport.
Project goals
The aim of Life Kicks is to use football as an educational tool to equip young people with essential life skills, improve their well‑being and promote inclusive participation in sport and community life.
- Develop life skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making and self-discipline
- Promote physical and mental well‑being
- Make participation in sport more enjoyable, inclusive and meaningful for young people
- Actively engage people from diverse and marginalised backgrounds
- Promote gender equality
- Strengthen community bonds, encourage mentorship and provide spaces for positive social interactions
Project content
Generation (Change?) youth workers deliver informal transversal skills sessions at Birkirkara FC Youth Academy alongside sports activities led by football coaches. Using youth work methodologies to combine informal education with sport, the programme provides a well-rounded developmental environment that fosters participants’ personal and social capabilities. Around 200 young people can take part, including those from challenging social backgrounds, and at least 25% of the participants are girls.
Partners
