Gozitan football youths together with their leaders joined their counterparts from Finland who came to Gozo on a youth exchange, subsidised by the EUPA funds under the Youth in Action Programme.

The Finnish contingent, consisting of 4 leaders and 19 youths, aged 15 to 17, arrived in Malta on Sunday 7th September and were transferred to Ta' Sbejha Holiday Complex in Gharb, where they resided during their six-day stay on the island of Gozo.

This Fair Play exchange comprised a varied programme, including sports and cultural activities as well as workshops and discussions related to healthy lifestyles promoted through sports and the fostering of social cohesion in the European Union, eliminating exclusions, prejudice and xenophobia. During these workshops, Nigerian footballers and drug rehabilitated youths shared their personal experiences with the participants.

During their stay in Gozo, the group also paid a visit to the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono. The Minister praised the initiative taken by the Kercem Ajax Football Club and encouraged similar initiatives which will result in the application of further youth programmes in Gozo. Besides fostering intercultural dialogue and exchanges, such activities also serve as an added marketing tool for Gozo's natural and cultural attractions.

During their stay in Gozo members of the Finnish group were also taken to the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts where they could admire the local artisan and artistic talent. Apart from savouring the rural characteristics within the village of Kercem, the foreigners also experienced the traditional aspects dominating our local feasts as well as various other touristic sites on Gozo.

This exchange included an intercultural night, which gave the participants an excellent opportunity to show their cultural backgrounds and exchange presents. Besides helping to increase the participants' awareness regarding fair play, the exchange also helped in creating better understanding and cultural tolerance between the participants. It also enhanced their leadership skills while establishing strong friendship bonds.