Sport has always been part of who I am. I started playing football as a child, developing through the youth systems of Żabbar St Patrick’s and Sliema Wanderers, before moving on to senior football with Żabbar, St George’s, Xgħajra Tornados, Siġġiewi and Dingli.I later transitioned into coaching and football administration. These experiences allowed me to see Maltese sport from every level, from grassroots to the realities of elite competition. That is why the transformation of Maltese sport over the past decade has been impossible to ignore.Since 2013, sport in Malta has moved from being seen primarily as a recreational activity to being recognised as a strategic national investment. This shift has not only improved facilities, but also created real opportunities for athletes, strengthened grassroots participation, and elevated Malta’s international competitiveness.One of the most important structural changes was the creation of SportMalta, which brought a more professional and focused approach to sports development. Through schemes such as the International Participation Scheme, Maltese athletes and national teams now receive direct support to prepare for international competitions. This ensures they can train properly, compete seriously, and represent Malta with confidence on the world stage.Infrastructure has been at the centre of this transformation. The Marsa Sports Complex has evolved into a modern, multi-purpose sporting hub, providing athletes with facilities that simply did not exist before. Likewise, the Cottonera Sports Complex, with its Olympic-size indoor pool, has allowed Malta to host major international competitions and offer local athletes world-class training conditions.Football, the country’s most popular sport, has also seen tangible benefits. A €6million national investment replaced ageing artificial turf pitches across Malta and Gozo, improving training conditions for thousands of players, especially young athletes in club nurseries. This was not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in player development and safety.Another major milestone was the Government’s co-financing of the Malta Football Association’s €13 million National Football Centre. This facility provides national teams and young players with the professional environment needed to develop and compete internationally. It is a long-term investment that will benefit Maltese footballfor decades. Beyond infrastructure, important reforms have strengthened sport as a profession. The introduction of a 7.5% flat income tax rate for sports professionals was a bold and forward-looking measure. Initially aimed at players and coaches, it has now been extended to include sports professionals working in medical, technical, and administrative roles. This recognises that sport is not just about athletes, but about an entire ecosystem of professionals who support performance and development. The Government has also launched a national consultation on the commercialisation of sport, aimed at helping sports organisations become more sustainable, attract private investment, and operate more professionally. This is essential to ensure that Maltese sport continues to grow and evolve in a modern and competitive environment.At the grassroots level, investment has remained strong. Schools across Malta have benefitted from upgraded sports facilities, ensuring that children have access to proper infrastructure from an early age. Initiatives such as free gym memberships for young people are encouraging healthier lifestyles and promoting physical activity among the next generation.These efforts are producing real results. Malta’s historic performances at the Small Nations Games show what can be achieved when athletes are given the right support, facilities, and preparation. Success at this level is not accidental. It is the result of long-term planning, investment, and belief.But the impact of these investments goes beyond medals and competitions. Sport plays a crucial role in improving quality of life, promoting discipline, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities. It provides young people with direction, builds resilience, and brings communities together. Most importantly, it creates a foundation for the future.Malta today is better equipped than ever to develop athletes, host international events, and build a stronger sporting culture. The progress achieved over the past decade has laid solid foundations, but it is essential that this momentum continues. Sport deserves to remain a national priority. Not only for the success of our athletes, but for the wellbeing of our society and the opportunities it creates for future generations.The results we are seeing today show clearly what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and sustained investment. Malta’s sporting future has never looked more promising.Rodrick Zerafa is the CEO of Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) •