# FC Ħamrun Amateurs

Football-Club Ħamrun Amateurs is a Maltese Sports Organisation based in Ħamrun, Malta. It is primarily recognised for its men's non-league football team, which competes in the MAFA Second Division, part of the Malta Amateur Football Association league system.
The club was founded by brothers Jürgen and Kurt Buhagiar, who jointly conceived the idea of creating an amateur football team for the community. Their vision extends beyond football, aiming to establish a broader sporting community that fosters participation in various athletic activities.

## History
### In the beginning

At the onset of the year 2022, Ħamrun Amateurs commenced extensive preparations for their inaugural participation in the Malta Amateur Football Association club competitions. The administration issued a call for talented players to undergo tryouts, with the intention of assembling a competitive team for the upcoming competitions sanctioned by the Association. As a significant milestone, the team was officially accepted as a member of the Association, thus granting them eligibility to partake in its various tournaments.
During the initial year of establishment, Ħamrun Amateurs diligently focused on solidifying their team structure and initiated various procedures in collaboration with prominent government entities such as the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, and SportsMalta. These endeavors aimed to attain official recognition for the team, enabling them to apply for schemes and funding opportunities offered by these institutions. Efforts yielded favorable outcomes, as their application was successfully accepted, resulting in the team being granted a prestigious certificate as a Voluntary Organisation (VO/2365). Additionally, they earned membership in the esteemed Hamrun Associations Union, a noteworthy accomplishment that further strengthened their standing within the local sports community.

### Season 2022/2023

Ħamrun Amateurs began their season with a Campus Recruitment program, attracting candidates. After training in July, the team played several friendlies in August and September, including a memorial match for the late Christian Degabriele of Paola Kordin Football Club.
The team officially debuted on October 1 against Fgura Spartans, scoring their first goal in the MAFA competition but losing 2–1. Despite early setbacks, the team later secured a win and a draw, ending 2022 on a positive note.
In January 2023, the team held a Winter Training Camp and played friendlies. Throughout February and March, the Amateurs consistently improved, culminating in a victory over Fgura Spartans, surpassing them in the standings. In April, the team made its MAFA Knockout debut vs Għaxaq Wolves but was eliminated despite Andriy Camilleri's first goal in this competition.
The season concluded on May 13, 2023, with Ħamrun finishing 5th out of 6 teams, securing 13 points with 3 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, scoring 16 goals and conceding 30. They also received the Fair Play Award for their exemplary disciplinary record, qualifying for the Twanny Agius Fair Cup.

### Season 2023/2024

The second season commenced in June with an open call for new players eager to try out for the team. The months of July, August, and September were dedicated to preparations for another competitive season. During this period, the team engaged in training sessions, friendly matches, and tournaments, including the Christian Degabriele Memorial Cup and the Twanny Agius Fairplay Cup.

#### Christian Degabriele Memorial Cup

In collaboration with Paola Kordin Football Club, the Memorial Cup was established to honor the memory of the late Christian Degabriele, a former player of Paola Kordin. The match was fiercely contested and ended in a 1–1 draw. Unfortunately, the team was defeated in the penalty shootout. It is noteworthy that during this match, donations were collected and presented to the Degabriele family and the Karl Vella Foundation.

#### Twanny Agius Fairplay Cup

This new competition was created in memory of the late President of the Association. Teams that won the Fair Play award in each division qualified for this competition, which took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Despite being considered underdogs, Ħamrun secured second place after a 0–0 draw against Valletta Stars St. Dominic's and another 0–0 draw against Marsa St. Michael. The latter team ultimately won the title.

#### MAFA 3rd Division

Following the strong performances in the Fairplay Cup, the next objective was to secure promotion as champions. From the outset of the championship, the team demonstrated consistency, accumulating a total of 28 points from 12 matches, with 8 wins, 4 draws, and no losses. We scored 34 goals and conceded only 4. The first match of the championship took place on October 7, 2023, and the final match on May 18, 2024.
On April 20, 2024, Ħamrun crowned champions after winning the direct confrontation against Ħal Far Titans, the team that also secured promotion. Throughout the season, we achieved several milestones, including being the highest-scoring team, the team with the most clean sheets, and winning all matches in the second round.
It was evident that the technical team, along with the Board, worked meticulously to ensure the team's preparation for securing its first major honour.

#### MAFA Knockout

On January 6, 2024, the team participated in the second competition of the MAFA season. After the draw, we were matched against Ta’ Giorni Wanderers. The team were eliminated, bringing their journey in this competition to an end.

### Season 2024/2025

The season will commence on the 11th of July by having the first preseason training session.

## Kits

The club's kit colors are red and black stripes. These colors have historical significance and represent a strong connection with the sportive community in Ħamrun.

### Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

| Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor (chest) | Shirt sponsor (sleeve) |
| 2022–2024 | Erima | Tetu Bar & Restaurant | Clentec Ltd |
| 2024-present | Erima | Ta' Fonzu | Clentec Ltd |

## Emblem

The emblem features a modern, abstract design inspired by the Spartan Warrior, an iconic symbol of football in Ħamrun. This historic figure has been reimagined in a contemporary, minimalist style, bridging the club’s legacy with its forward-looking vision. The streamlined design resonates with the next generation, giving them a symbol they can connect with and make their own.

## Stadium

Ħamrun Amateurs utilise the Victor Tedesco Stadium, owned by Ħamrun Spartans, for training sessions and friendly matches. However, the team is unable to host their home league matches at this venue due to restrictions imposed by the Malta Amateurs Football Association's league schedule, which dictates that league games are played exclusively at two designated venues.

## Statistics
### Domestic

| Season | League | Position | MAFA Knockout | Twanny Agius Fair Play Cup | Significant Events |
| 2022/23 | MAFA 3rd Division | 5th | 1st Round | | Won the fair play award |
| 2023/24 | MAFA 3rd Division | 1st | Preliminary | 2nd Place | Promoted to MAFA 2nd Division |
| 2024/25 | MAFA 2nd Division | | 1st Round | | |

## Honours

* MAFA 3rd Division
** Champions (1): 2023–2024
* MAFA Fair Play Award
** Winners (1): 2022–2023

## Players
### Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| — | GK | MLT | Marvin Bellia |
| — | GK | ARG | Santiago Sacilas |
| — | DF | COL | Luis Ariza |
| — | DF | MLT | Danyl Azzopardi |
| — | DF | MLT | Dunstan Bonnici |
| — | DF | MLT | Matthew Borg |
| — | DF | MLT | Kurt Buhagiar |
| — | DF | MLT | Andriy Camilleri |
| — | DF | MLT | Mark Ellul |
| — | DF | MLT | Larkin Portelli |
| — | DF | MLT | Corben Sciberras |
| — | DF | MLT | Matthew Vassallo |
| — | MF | COL | Juan Bedoya |
| — | MF | MLT | Jürgen Buhagiar |
| — | MF | ALB | Renaldo Castrati |
| — | MF | MLT | Matthew Colerio |
| — | MF | MLT | Francesco Falzon |
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| — | MF | MLT | Andre Galea |
| — | MF | COL | Nicholas Guevara |
| — | MF | COL | Santiago Guevara |
| — | MF | MLT | Ranie Hijazi |
| — | MF | MLT | Liam Mizzi |
| — | MF | SRB | Marko Veselinov |
| — | MF | MLT | Andy Zammit |
| — | FW | MLT | Martin Busuttil |
| — | FW | MLT | Charlo Debattista |
| — | FW | MLT | Joyfred Farrugia |
| — | FW | SYR | Maher Hajy Semu |
| — | FW | MLT | Irvine Mifsud |
| — | FW | COL | Nicolas Mogollon |
| — | FW | MLT | Riccardo Napoli |
| — | FW | SUI | Tomas Rasteiro |
| — | FW | COL | Andres Suarez |
| — | FW | MLT | Josef Zammit |

### Captain

| Years | Captain |
| 2022–present | Larkin Portelli (DF) |

### Coaching staff

Coaching staff :
| Gilbert Spiteri | Head Coach |
| Matthew Navarro | Assistant Coach |
| Fitness department ||
| Robert Scerri | Fitness Trainer |
| Medical department ||
| Franco Davies | Physiotherapist |
| Damien Davis | Masseur |
| Emanuele Aliotta | Orthopedic |
| Team Council ||
| Stephen Buhagiar | Head of Team Council |

## Club Structure
### Executive Management

| Member | Role |
| Jürgen Buhagiar | Chairperson |
| Kurt Buhagiar | Deputy Chairperson |
| Stephen Buhagiar | Board Member for Sport |

### Administrative Department

| Member | Role |
| Francesca Buhagiar | Club Secretary |
| Kurt Buhagiar | Financial Controller |

### Marketing & Communications Department

| Member | Role |
| Naomi Buhagiar Turner | Marketing Manager |
| Dean Turner | Social Media Coordinator |

### Commercial Department

| Member | Role |
| - | Commercial Director |
| - | Event Coordinator |

### Logistics Department

| Member | Role |
| - | Operations Manager |
| - | Equipment Supervisor |

### Fan Engagement & Supporters Club

| Member | Role |
| - | Fan Engagement Manager |
| - | Community Outreach Lead |