Visit by waterpolo junior teams of ZPB , Barendrecht, Holland

Introduction

Exiles Sports Club, Sliema, recently hosted the Under 15 and Under 17 waterpolo teams of club ZPB , from Barendrecht, Holland. This visit was made possible also to the help received from the Ministry for Tourism, the Embassy of Holland and the Sliema Local Council.

The Dutch contingent, made up of two squads, including about twenty players accompanied by their coaches and officials, arrived at the Malta International Airport on Wednesday 3rd August. They were welcomed by Mr. Andrew Paris, Exiles SC president, who subsequently accompanied them to the Miramare Guest House, St.Julians, where they would be lodging during their stay in Malta.

Sporting activities

During their stay in Malta the two Dutch teams participated in two friendly Under 15 and Under 17 tournaments organised by Exiles SC. All games were held under the auspices of the local swimming association, the ASA (Acquatic Swimming Association) and matches were officiated by referees from the local Amateur Swimming Association.

All the matches ran smoothly and were held in a sporting atmosphere. At the end of the tournaments both the local clubs and the Dutch teams were presented with a participation trophy and these tournaments were an enriching experience for all players. Results were as follows:

Besides the tournament, the Dutch teams also played some friendly games against Exiles S.C. junior squads and also against an Irish club who happened to be visiting Malta at the same time. Furthermore, the Dutch players joined the ranks of Exiles S.C. squads during training sessions and some players, accompanied by coach Marco Booij (a former Exiles foreign player), also trained with the Exiles S.C. first team.

Social and Cultural activities

The Dutch players, coaches and officials also participated in a series of cultural and social activities organised by Exiles S.C. These included a Barbecue, held at Exiles S.C. pitch, during which Dutch player Kevin van Bommel was awarded the prize of most sporting player of the squad. This prize was awarded by the Dutch Embassy of Malta.

Cultural visits included a visit to Valletta, to the Malta experience and a boat trip round the Maltese islands.

Conclusion

The committee and members of Exiles S.C. wish to thank the Maltese Tourism Authority, the Dutch Embassy, the Sliema local council and the ASA for their precious contribution which made this visit possible.

Preparations are now underway in order to start planning the return visit, as over the Christmas period players, coaches and officials of Exiles S.C. will be hosted by ZPB  in Holland. These visits will further strengthen the long-existing ties between the two clubs and will certainly be benefitial for all those who are directly involved in them.