The AC Trampi experience. Reviews and previews by the coach.

I usually write about the latest match, or the technical situation of the team, however this time, I am writing shortly about the AC Trampi experience. Following a 2 hour seminar with Ian Armiger, the Mussabini Medal winner from the UK Coaching Awards 2007, Director of Swimming at Loughborough University, I simply realised what AC Trampi mean.

Following a 5 month preparation for our discrete, 3rd division Futsal national league (not talking about one of the most prestigious leagues of all, am I?), it is not easy to turn positive when you are 3 points from hitting the bottom, with only one win.

We knew that the league was tough, we also knew that we had to work hard for a positive performance. We were also all aware that the targets of maintaining our place in the 3rd division would have not been an easy task.

All the above scenario might make it sound strange that people would want to be part of this. So what is it that is keeping AC Trampi all together? Of course I am not going to talk statistics. This is just my impression about it all.

AC Trampi, differently from Ian Armiger's team, doesn't include world champions. AC Trampi does not include ex footballers (like many other teams) in their line up, they are just a group of friends who once dreamed about competing, and they still are.

I am sure that many look at AC Trampi in a strange way. I am pretty sure that many do not understand the methods used by the team and I do not blame them.

How can anyone understand or explain how a 3rd division Maltese futsal team have

• players turning up for a trial who either leave on their first day or simply get emotionally attached to the family;
• between 12 and 18 players for training sessions;
• between 10 and 40 supporters following their mathces;
• a good relationship with several opponents on and off the field;
• an official coach and an assistant coach;
• 13-18 players going for official matches (from which only 12 are chosen in the last hour)?

I had several discussions with various people and i realise that many do not really agree or understand some of these facts. Some coaches do not agree with having more than 12 players in the squad. Some find it hilarious to find more supporters watching AC Trampi than lots of other 11 a-side local football teams.

Today I can say that the only time I blushed during a sporting competition was last year, when our supporters turned up with a banner. I never experienced such a thing, not even in the national team!

Today, following the meeting I had with Ian Armiger, I can only say that I got the answer, and it is relatively simple. AC Trampi is an experience. We know that this is not an easy experience and we all know that this year ahead of us will be a tough one, however we all should realise that this year, like last year, we are living an EXPERIENCE all together.

3rd Game… from behind the bars!

It has lately become common practice for a lot of people to end up in Zabbar every fortnight on Monday to watch AC Trampi play. Yesterday (16/11/2009), Trampi played their third league game against Riviera FC. As always I was there together with dozens of other supporters; although coming to think of it, we were not numerous at all for the kick off since a lot of us are rarely punctual!

This game was very important and in the end satisfactory given it brought us the first 3 points.. It was an exciting game and the final score of 4-3 says it all. AC Trampi goals were scored by: Jonathan Sammut, Chris Formosa, Conrad Dimech and the debutant Roland Cassar.

After the game everyone engaged in the celebrations, even us supporters; and not just because it is our pleasure to see the players and the coaches all satisfied and smiling after the game, but also because Trampi means a lot to us as well! Good luck Yellows and Forza Trampi Forever!! J

Fanatic Ultra

MC