Elevating Sports Management in Malta from the Mobility Project

SportMalta’s latest initiative, the Mobility Project, Elevating Sports Management in Malta, set out with a clear goal, to strengthen how sports facilities across the country are managed and operated. To achieve this, a team from SportMalta travelled to Portugal to learn from some of the best examples of sports facility management in Europe. The project focused on understanding how top sports centres are run, how they support athletes, engage local communities, and remain financially and environmentally sustainable.

Portugal proved to be an excellent learning ground as this visit included sports centres like Rio Maior, known for its impressive integrated setup, combining training grounds, accommodation, sports science labs, and medical services all in one place. This centralised model not only improves efficiency but also gives athletes a better overall experience. One key takeaway was Portugal’s commitment to sustainability. Facilities use simple but effective energy saving tools, such as pool covers and LED lighting, which help reduce costs. Preventive maintenance systems and digital attendance tracking were also highlighted as best practices that keep operations organised and transparent.

A standout feature of Portugal’s approach is its strong support for dual-career athletes, those balancing sports and education, by offering flexible learning schedules and close partnerships between schools, universities, and sports bodies, athletes can pursue their academic goals without sacrificing training time. This integration ensures that sporting talent is nurtured without limiting future career opportunities. The Portuguese model also places great emphasis on community engagement. Local councils work closely with national sports authorities to promote “sport for all,” ensuring that everyone, from children to older adults has access to affordable and inclusive programmes. This not only boosts participation but also builds a lasting culture of health and community connection.

Financial sustainability was another important lesson. Many Portuguese facilities generate revenue through complementary activities like leisure parks, international training camps, and tournaments. This income allows them to offer free or low cost programmes for local communities while remaining self-sufficient. Governance in Portugal is coordinated by the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ), which manages sports development nationwide through structured programmes and digital systems. These promote transparency, efficiency, and performance tracking. Across all the centres visited, professionalism and high operational standards were clearly visible.

While Portugal enjoys larger campuses and more available land, Malta’s challenge lies in maximising limited space creatively. The Portuguese model also benefits from strong collaboration between national and municipal entities, something Malta could expand on through deeper partnerships with local councils and other entities. Another opportunity for Malta is in integrating athlete accommodation and sports science services within local facilities, a model that proved highly effective in Portugal. Additionally, adopting a hybrid funding system, where facilities combine public investment with revenue from camps, events, or leisure services, could enhance financial resilience. Educational integration is another area for growth. Partnering with Maltese Educational institutions could better support student athletes in balancing their studies with their sporting ambitions.

The Mobility Project achieved, and even surpassed, its initial objectives. The SportMalta team gained valuable insights into sustainable management, integrated athlete services, and community engagement. The study also revealed how revenue generation through sports tourism and leisure activities can secure long-term stability while keeping programmes affordable. At the same time, the project identified areas where Malta can continue to grow such as developing athlete accommodation, integrated performance hubs, and structured dual-career support systems. Importantly, it also underlined the need for ongoing staff development.

One of the most rewarding outcomes was the establishment of a long-term partnership between SportMalta and Portuguese sports authorities. Future plans include reciprocal visits, joint workshops, and collaborative projects focused on governance, sustainability, and digital transformation. This relationship promises continued mutual learning and innovation between the two nations.

Looking forward, Malta can apply several key lessons from Portugal. Integrating training, accommodation, and sports science will create a more complete support system for athletes. Embracing sustainability measures will lower operational costs, while diversifying revenue through camps, events, and leisure services will build financial resilience. Strengthening dual-career pathways and empowering local councils to run inclusive community programmes will encourage participation at all levels. Digital tools can help improve scheduling, data collection, and reporting, making facility management smoother and efficient. Finally, developing multi-sport hubs and promoting a culture of operational excellence will raise the standard of Maltese sports facilities and make them accessible to all.

The Mobility Project has shown how effective governance, sustainability, and community involvement can elevate a nation’s sports system. For Malta, the path forward lies in creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Through this partnership with Portugal, SportMalta has taken a major step toward building a more integrated, sustainable, and community centred model of sports management, one that supports both elite athletes and everyday citizens alike. Ultimately, this project strengthens the vision of developing multipurpose, one-stop sports facilities that make sport a central pillar of Maltese life.