Valletta FC and Fondazzjoni Caritas Malta are excited to announce the launch of a landmark collaboration aimed at raising awareness of drug rehabilitation and supporting those on the journey to recovery. This initiative was unveiled today by Anthony Gatt, Director of Caritas Malta, and Claudio Grech, President of Valletta FC, marking a significant step forward in combining sports and social impact.
The partnership leverages the powerful platform of football to foster a message of hope, resilience, and recovery for individuals affected by addiction. Through joint fundraising events, community outreach, and educational programmes, Valletta FC and Caritas will work together to engage the club’s extensive fanbase and the wider Maltese football community in efforts to destigmatize addiction and promote sports participation and support for rehabilitation.
Anthony Gatt asserted the firm belief that people can recover from debilitating addiction with the support of the community. This collaboration with Valletta FC is another testament to the support of the wider community reaching out to persons in recovery. Anthony Gatt expressed his appreciation for Valletta FC to reach out to Caritas with a threefold effect: Firstly to help raise funds for all the services that are offered free of charge to the most vulnerable; secondly to collaborate in the dissemination and promotion of Caritas Rehabilitation Services within the sporting field; and thirdly to promote football as a sporting activity that offers a natural high and a healthy alternative to the devastating negative consequences of substance misuse. The Director of Caritas Malta concluded by thanking Valletta FC for setting an example and encouraging other clubs to do the same.
Claudio Grech explained how the parties chose the ‘Bounce Back’ theme for this collaboration, saying “just like we are working hard to bounce back as a football club following our relegation last season, we want to send a message of hope to those going through difficult situations, due to their struggle with addictions, that even they can bounce back from their challenges. This partnership represents a meaningful commitment to our community, and by aligning with Caritas, we aim to inspire hope and facilitate recovery, using the unifying power of football to make a difference in people’s lives.”
As part of the initiative, Caritas Malta has been granted high-visibility brand presence on Valletta FC’s Kit and Digital Channels, while dedicated events and fan engagement campaigns will underscore the shared mission. The first of such events will be the Bounce Back Caritas Cup, a triangular tournament between Valletta FC, Gzira FC and Lija Athletics FC. The tournament will take place on Saturday, 9th November at the Dingli Training Grounds, with all gate money going towards Caritas’ annual marathon. Additionally, special programmes like the ‘Football for Recovery’ clinics and a series of awareness talks will highlight the role of sports in fostering positive change in Valletta FC’s Academy.
For more information, please visit www.vallettafc.net and follow the campaign via #bounceback.