Official opening of the Mediterranean College of Sport

The official opening of the Mediterranean College of Sport (MCS) in Malta took place on November 13. The technical partner with which Benfica established a connection in March formally inaugurated its sports complex in the presence of the highest figures in the Maltese nation.

The event was attended by the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, the Minister for Education and Sport, Clifton Grima, as well as the executive director of the school, Charlo Bonnici, and the CEO of the Vassallo Group, which owns the school, Pio Vassallo, who announced that the Group "invested more than 11 million euros in this project, creating 7,000 square meters of new sports spaces - including a 25-meter swimming pool with retractable roof, a gymnasium, new football pitches, paddle tennis courts and a sports science center - along with 2,000 square meters of renovated and modernized spaces, such as a world-class pavilion, a dance studio and a gymnasium".

In addition, the complex also includes accommodation facilities for international students, with around 100 beds.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica plays a decisive role in the school's operation, being responsible for implementing the “football” curriculum for the students. Through their outstanding coordinator, Ricardo Mota, the Reds guarantee the implementation of the Benfica methodology on the ground, with a special focus on the dual career, through excellence in education and sport. In essence, the practical implementation of Sport Lisboa e Benfica's values: “Training to win” and ‘Champions on and off the pitch’.

More joint initiatives are planned for the future, including a trip by MCS players to Portugal in February and the opening of a Benfica Football School.