VERSITY TAL-QROQQ AFC

Q & A with....
Home | Gallery | Fixtures | History | Squad | Archives | Guestbook

David Grima

David Grima - Treasurer of Versity Tal-Qroqq 

www.kasco.com.mt
Official Sponsor

How long have you been with Versity Tal-Qroqq and what are your roles within the team?
 
Well I finally joined Versity AFC back in season 1999-2000.  I say finally since I think Daniel Camilleri (the then and current club secretary) had told me to join the squad for the previous 2 seasons. It turned out to be a positive thing with no regrets.  After the initial year which saw me integrating in the team I was asked to join and become part of the committee and in no time I finished being handed the role of club treasurer.  When the need arises I undertake other duties namely to help the Secretary in the various work he has.  As I noted I have also been part of the playing squad where I play in defence.
 
Versity are still stuck with zero points at the bottom of the table. What do you think are the main reasons for this situtation?
 
It is not easy to find a reply to this situation.  The squad is basically the same as that which had a very good season in 2007 -2008 bar the loss of one player which was usually in the starting X1.  Hoping to be as objective as possible I believe that when one tries to find the root of the problem I think the size of the pitch has affected us negatively.  The smaller dimensions seem to be working against us.  One presumed that for the type of squad we have this would have been to our advantage since we could keep more compact and close down opponents better when defending etc but reality turned out to be completely different.  In actual fact the game approach is completely different to what we were used to for instance where last year we would move the ball around and gain territorial advantage this kind of pitch requires a more direct approach whereby you need to move the ball more vertically rather than horizontally and once you are within shooting distance one has to try his shot and not to roll the ball into the net.  On this fact we are a team which scores few goals and thus does not help to ease pressure. Statistically other team put away 50%- 60% of their chances. We hardly manage 25%.  Likewise defending is different. As always the midfield is important but here even more since they have to close down the opponents faster since if given space your opponents will use a long ball to cut between the lines or through the flamks. The defence has little time to recover on any errors or lose balls.  You have to be fast and release the ball quickly. Admittedly since our technique is of a limited nature, bar a few players who have good level, these circumstances expose our frailities faster. However, although I expressed the problems we might have I am still confident that after having played some good matches such as against Mqabba, Valletta , Tarxien & Sliema if we pull together we will achieve good results for the second phase.
 
How do you rate in general the organization of the Swan Amateur League?
 
When one attends the meetings one notices that the League for its limited resources is well organised with good administrative structures whereby one notices that the President and members try to pull in the same direction for the good of the league and to always promote a good image.  When one considers that each member manages his own team I believe that the management of the league is well run.  One always notes that improvements can be made but on a general level member clubs seem to have a more fair chance to discuss things and have their idea promoted if for the good of the game.
 
Versity take also part in the Futsal League. Can you give us a comment on the performances of the team so far?
 
Versity has administered the futsal team for 2 years. Last year saw Versity having a Jekyll and Clyde approach. We had a poor first round but a very good run in the second round and we snatched survival on the last league match. In the knockout we made a good showing where we were eliminated in the quarterfinals.  This year things are not running that well.  Year after year the level of futsal is improving, with well organised squads.  The era of playing for the fun of the game is diminishing and you require a good organisational system.  In view that the players who play fork out the participation fee one cannot register too many players. Unfortunately injuries happen, people are sick or are stuck at work and you finish going for a match with 5 players or so.  Teams expose these problems and you eventually finish losing. Overall the squad achieved 2 wins from 12 matches and unfortunately we are doomed to be relegated.
 
As a Treasurer of the team, you have a first view of the finances of the team. How does Versity deal with raising finances for the season and is it difficult to find sponsors?
 
Finances are a bit of headache maybe as in any other sphere in life but more-so in managing a football team.  The committee tries first and foremost to find some sponsors or some donation or to make an activity to raise some funds.  As with other things we have to put our energies into finding time and sometimes it is not easy with all personal and work commitments that we have.  However, whereas last year we managed to get a few sponsorships this year we have found it more difficult albeit for Kasco (suppliers of paper products etc) whom we thank for their support.  Some companies have limited budgets or allocations are reduced and even a few hundred Euro are seen a burden.  Ultimately we finish summing up all the expenses and we will turn up on the playing squad to split the participation costs. To be fair generally there is quite a co-operation on this factor but ultimately as a committee we wish to reduce this issue and hope that the club is self-financing without the need to make recourse to the players. We will be working to this end for the coming season.
 
David, one final comment for the players for the rest of the season.
 
I tend to be positive and although this is one of the most difficult seasons since I have been with Versity I strongly believe that if we pull together for the final 3 matches of the league campaign we can win these matches, earn valuable points for the second phase (whereby points earned are halved) and thus be back in contention for an honour.  We just have to believe in our capabilities unleash our potential and thus finish the season on a high.
Thank you for your time and come on Versity

Enter supporting content here