In the first year, this state-of-the-art football tournament was organised just over a five-month period (May to September 2018). It supported Puttinu Cares and ALS Malta and hosted 32 teams from the three major industries in Malta.
Opening Ceremony
One of the main aims of the event was to bring people together and foster business development. The Opening Ceremony was organised at the InterContinental hotel and we were honoured to have he following individuals present who gave their speeches and insight on their respective sectors. In no order of preference, there was Mr. Russell Mifsud (Associate Director in iGaming at KPMG Malta), Dr. Abdalla Kablan (CEO of the Delta Summit), Mr. Steve Mercieca (CEO and Founder of QuickLets & Zanzi Homes), Mr. Johan Zammit (CEO of the Malta Innovation Summit), Mr. Nathan Farrugia (CEO of Ultimate Performance – Level UP and TED Speaker).
The evening was compered by the well-renowned X Factor (Malta) host Mr. Ben Camille and featured local celebrities, Ms. Tamara Webb and Ms. Christabelle Borg.
Apart from the speeches, we came up with the idea of having a Live Draw very similar to the one we are accustomed to seeing on TV featuring the Champion’s League draw. Guests were able to see in real time which team they would be grouped up with, and this helped create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the next two days of football.
The night closed with an open bar and finger food reception where all our guests were able to interact and network with one another whilst being provided with entertainment from the very talented magician, Mr. Brian Role.
IFR Village and Tournament
Whilst the IFR Champions Cup games were ongoing at the Marsa Sports Ground, we set up a 40m by 15m tent where various companies and sponsors were afforded space to put up their stands where they promoted their products and services, whilst visitors and participating teams enjoyed the chill- out vibe in the lounge area.
With music from 89.7 Bay and Red Bull’s ‘London Cab’ DJ booth together with haircuts and beard trims given by the incomparable Mando, a FIFA game stand, VR games, and various food stands, the IFR Village was a fantastic place seething with activity, yet, at the same time offered players and guests a place where they could enjoy themselves and relax in between games or whilst games were ongoing.
The winners of the tournament were Cro-Ser Ltd after closely beating the Malta Developers Association in the final. The score ended 2-0 in favour of the architecture/construction consulting company which participated on behalf of the real estate industry.
It was an extremely fun-packed football weekend for everyone involved and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teams for the fair play shown all throughout the tournament.
For an even bigger overview of the 1st Edition, please have a look at the IFR & Beyond Magazine (2018/19 Edition).
