The warm sun is heating up a football stadium, 850 schoolchildren are cheering out loud, a military band is playing, 2 professional singers are singing the national anthem and other songs. As the 13 participating teams from 11 countries march in the stadium, the opening ceremony looks impressive. Children, dressed in T-shirts with the ECSA 20 years anniversary logo, carried not only the national flags but also the ECSA flag, the European flag and the Respect and Fair play flag. The organizer of the Maltese customs administration, Eamon Bugeja can be proud. All the work he did, together with Frank Agius and other team members paid off. Where in Europe have we seen 850 children creating such a cheerful atmosphere during an opening ceremony?

There was an emotional moment when the youngest child gave a football to Mrs. Morris. This tournament was dedicated to her late husband, Peter Morris the organizer of the ECSA six a side tournament in England. Peter Morris has passed away in 21 of October 2010. The Maltase colleagues invited Mrs. Morris to come to Malta to hand out the “Peter Morris fair play cup”.

After the spectacular opening on Wednesday morning we have seen 2 days of European Customs six a side football. Slowly, Eamon and his team could start to relax, both the participants and the spectators have enjoyed a sportive and friendly tournament under the warm Maltese sun. Although the players, at times, showed a fanatic will to win during the games, on and off the field, the European friendship among customs personnel was clearly visible. The Maltese six a side tournament proved to be a real ECSA event in which the ECSA goal (to create friendship and understanding amongst Customs personnel) was carried out.

On Thursday evening all the players and guests were invited to a wonderful gala dinner in the “silent city” Mdina. It was an unforgettable evening. The winning male team from France and the winning female team from Finland received their cup, but it seemed that truly everybody was a winner in this great event.

It was a great pleasure for me to be present as president of ECSA. I would like to thank Mr. Brincat, the director general of the Maltese Customs, for allowing Eamon Bugeja to organize this tournament in Malta, which he did so successfully.

And, on behalf of all the players, thank you Eamon, Frank and the rest of the organization team.

This 7th six a side tournament showed that ECSA has become a big European association, capable of organizing professional events. 

Theo de Goeijen
President of ECSA