The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST), through the Institute of Community Services, held a conference titled ‘A Collegial Gameplan: A Business Breakfast for Partners in Sports’ to present and discuss the Fun Fit 5 (FF5) research report and the findings from the Sports Symposium 2023 report.

During the conference, MCAST launched a new level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Coaching, which was identified as a critical need during the Sports Symposium 2023. This new programme of study, which will be offered by the Institute of Community Services from October 2025, aims to equip learners with knowledge that will allow students to pursue sports-related coaching careers.

The FF5 project is an initiative that aligns seamlessly with current local needs to foster a commitment to physical activity from a young age . By studying the impact of physical activity on the academic, the physical and the wellbeing of children in primary state schools in Malta, the project contributes valuable insights and recommendations for policy making and practice.

MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “This study FF5 Research Report represents a major achievement in our efforts to create a comprehensive educational environment and reflects the strategic actions outlined in MCAST’s strategic plan. It also represents our College’s value of giving learners a holistic education that captures their mental and physical mindset. The new Bachelor’s Degree offered resounds MCAST’s commitment to ensuring that industry needs are met and that students studying at the College have every chance of success in their future careers”.

MCAST researchers from the Institute of Community Services (ICS), namely Dr Melanie Darmanin, Dr Renzo Kerr-Cumbo, Dr Matthew Muscat Inglott, and Mr Heathcliff Schembri, worked on an experimental research design project during scholastic year 2022-2023. The Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation (IFF) within the Malta Football Association (MFA) spearheaded the programme in tandem with the MCAST researchers. Research carried out by College academics was instrumental in unearthing the effect that students’ participation in physical activity had on their academic performance, physical performance, and well-being. The research included interviews with teachers,  LSEs, SLT, parents, and children, observations and various quantitative tools.

Director at MCAST’s Institute of Community Services (ICS), Ms Ann Marie Cassar, said, “The Institute is unique in its amalgamation of professionals hailing from different sectors due to its wide array of courses. The analysis and findings stem from solid methods that allow statistically significant recommendations to be made. As a vocational college, MCAST, in its continuous collaboration with different stakeholders, prepares learners for their journey beyond college and delves into research projects that pave the way for a clearer direction and informed decisions to be made when setting the path ahead”.

MCAST researchers also presented findings from the Sports Symposium titled, ‘Challenging the Status Quo: Inspiring a Legacy Beyond 2023 Major Sports Events’ organised at the College in February 2023. The information obtained aims to inform future decisions that are aimed at helping Maltese athletes succeed.

MCAST’s Institute of Community Services (ICS) offers a wide array of courses, ranging from Level 1 Certificates up to Level 6 Bachelor Degrees. Prospective applicants willing to take sports-related courses at the College can follow this link to acquire more information about the application procedure, courses on offer, and entry requirements.