Interview with Mr. Charles Micallef

by Jonathan Spiteri - 5th February 2013

Following a short pause from interviewing persons related to our Club, for this week's interview we decided to interview the Under 15's coach, Mr. Charles Micallef.

Mr Micallef, can you tell us something about yourself?

I am 49 years old, married and have three children. I work as a Security Officer.

What about your life in football? Did you use to play with any team?

My playing career was a short one because of working hours. I played for my home town Mosta F.C., till the age of 20 years and later on played in MAFA Football League with Mgarr Eagles. With regards to coaching, I spent my first 5 years with Mgarr Youth Nursery working my way up from Under 7 to Under 16. In the same period I worked side by side with coaches in the senior team and youth team. Afterwards I moved to nurseries such as Sliema Wanderers, Paola Hibernians and Pieta Hotspurs coaching Under 15 and Under 17 sections. In 2010 I took the challenge as a Head Coach at Zebbug Youth Nursery for 2 years. Being a Head Coach though was not letting me coaching a team as such, so I decided to go a step backwards in that sense, and that is when and why I joined B'Kara Youth Nursery.

When, why and how did you engage yourself into coaching?

I engaged myself in football coaching 13 years ago with Mgarr Youth Nursery because I always had great love for football and wanted to pass on what I was taught from my coaches especially, my mentor Coach Tony Cauchi (Majsi).

How long have you been coaching with Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery and what are your impressions so far?

This is my first spell coaching with B'Kara Youth Nursery and I am glad to say that I am working with a nursery that has a long term program, and also have the chance to wok close with the Senior Team as well. Our Head Coach is carefully administrating his plans and doing things in the most professional way possible. The committee is also a great team, which is a always full of support for all the coaches at B'Kara.

What do you think about your team's performances this season so far?

The Under-15 performances have so far been fairly good ones and to be honest I hate to comment about expectations. We are here to teach the boys and make sure they enjoy coming to the nursery. Having fun training with us, while they meet their friends is very important. TEAM WORK is the phrase I always use when conducting my sessions and this will surely improve our performances by the end of the season.

Are you happy with the dressing room atmosphere you have? Is there something you think the boys should improve on in this regard?

I am glad with the boys' attitude because while they still are in the learning process, they have a target on getting promoted this year. The spirit in these boys is high and they support each other in this regard. Improvement in discipline will sure make things easier.

Do you feel comfortable working with the current set-up? Are there any things you would prefer to see being done in a different manner?

As already said before, I am very comfortable with this new set up at the nursery. Rather than things being done in a different manner I see that a full size pitch will sure help the whole set up, mostly with those age groups working on formation rather than basics of football.

Is there something you would like to say? Maybe a message to the children attending the nursery, their parents and also those who do not yet for part of this big family?

My message to the children attending the B'Kara nursery is to respect their coaches and keep in mind that this is a nursery with a difference, which is why we like to call it a ‘SCHOOL OF FOOTBALL'. The parents are more than welcome to come and assist their children, while they would help much more if they PRAISE their children and give full support to the concerned group. For those who do not yet form part of the nursery my message is to come along and experience the healthy atmosphere in which we are taking care of the upbringing of tomorrow's citizens.

comments powered by Disqus