YOU Matter’ – the main theme that will promote mental health in sport

by Gozo News · September 2, 2025

‘YOU Matter’ is the main theme that will promote mental health in sport, through a collaboration between the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing and the Malta Football Association (MFA). This was announced by the Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela and President of the MFA Bjorn Vassallo.

To mark the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the MFA, the Jubilee Cup is being organised where teams from amateurs to the highest level teams in Maltese football will compete for this prestigious honour.

Through this collaboration, this competition will promote the protection of mental health as the captains of the respective teams will be wearing the ‘YOU Matter – Call 1579’ armband.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela expressed satisfaction that through football this collaboration is taking place where they continue to promote measures in favour of the protection of mental health.

He stated that mental health is crucial for physical health to be healthy and therefore the Ministry will continue to see how to collaborate both on mental health and also on other campaigns to deliver messages of health protection through sport.

“It is important that we continue to remember the number 1579 where people facing mental health challenges can find help 24/7. We are committed to continuing to work together with both the MFA and other sports sectors in favour of health campaigns that benefit the Maltese and Gozitans,” concluded Minister Abela.

MFA President Bjorn Vassallo said, “This agreement with the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing allows us to deliver a powerful message through football, particularly with the Malta FA Jubilee Cup, an important competition celebrating the Association’s 125th Anniversary.”

“Over the years, we have sought to use the power of football to communicate key social issues, and through this Ministry campaign it will allow us to continue to raise awareness about mental health.”

The Malta FA President thanked the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing for supporting the Malta FA Jubilee Cup and recognised the game’s potential to inspire positive change.