RECOGNISING that it is crucial for local footballers to excel beyond technical competencies, Malta, in partnership with Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), hosted the Malta Holistic Workshop on Saturday, August 17, at Summit Kingston.

With a focus on enhancing physical fitness, proper nutrition, and fostering mental resilience, the brand’s initiative, under the Malta Sparks campaign, addressed key areas like balancing academics with athletics, conflict resolution, self-marketing, branding, and media management — offering a well-rounded strategy for athletic growth.

“This workshop has provided me with valuable strategies to better support my son on his athletic journey, especially in managing stress and time — challenges he often encounters,” said Sherridean Orridge, mother of Portmore United football player Romane Foster.

“I know a lot of other young athletes struggle with many of the focus areas today and so I am truly inspired as a parent by this initiative. I know there was a nutrition session hosted about a month ago so I commend Malta and PFJL for their exceptional work with our footballers, and I sincerely hope to see more initiatives like this in the future,” she said.

The educational sessions engaged participants from four Jamaica Premier League clubs: Mount Pleasant, Waterhouse, Portmore United, and Harbour View.

The workshop featured session leaders, including veteran coach and Malta brand ambassador Neville Bell; sports teacher and lifestyle coach Krisneve Palmer; sports marketing consultant Tanya Lee Perkins; communications expert Stacy-Ann Smith; and sports psychologist Dr Olivia Rose.

“It was commendable to see both guardians and footballers participating in the workshop. This experience has provided athletes with a broader perspective on how to represent themselves — an aspect that is often overshadowed by the focus on athletic performance,” said Owen Hill, PFJL’s chief executive officer.

“By investing in their holistic development we are preparing our local football stars to excel, not only on the national stage but also to present themselves as the best version of who they can be,” Hill continued.

In kickstarting the event Bell emphasised that discipline is the greatest asset a footballer can possess, adding that it “not only paves the way to success but also that, to be a great footballer one must have the right attitude and a strong sense of self-worth”.

Adding to the discussion, sports psychologist Dr Olivia Rose advised parents to create a safe environment and maintain open communication with coaches, noting that athletes thrive when they see the rewards of their hard work, which boosts their confidence.

Smith contributed by helping the players to improve their communication skills through mock media interview exercises and public speaking activities.

This was complemented by sports marketing consultant Tanya Lee Perkins, who offered tips on self-marketing and encouraged active social media engagement to build a solid personal brand.

The workshop concluded with lifestyle coach Krisneve Palmer, who provided guidance on balancing academics and football, and highlighted that education offers diverse career opportunities beyond sports.

Malta Junior Brand Manager Cavell Robinson said the workshop provided a multifaceted approach to player development.

“With this holistic workshop we aimed to provide both guardians and athletes with an experience that offers practical ways to best care for their social and mental well-being, targeting multiple layers of growth and development. As part of the Malta Sparks campaign we plan to conceptualise more initiatives like this in the future. With this it is our hope that these young talents will blossom and develop in ways that will make us all proud,” said Robinson.