Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia is the most respected and charismatic coach on the Maltese Islands. From the idea of setting up a Football School for boys and girls, the kids will learn how to really enjoy the game of football. With his experience, ‘Zazu’ and his team will teach or improve the basic skills, which are the main thing all ambitious footballers must possess. After all, the whole game of football is based on basic skills. When you are doing something correctly, you start enjoying what you are doing. Young kids will be taught how to play, but our teaching will help build up the character for the future.

‘Zazu’ was born in Malta on 1st October 1955. He started his playing career in with his hometown Floriana. He later went to play for Paramatta Melita Eagles in Australia. After obtaining his Football Coaching License (A License), ‘Zazu’ became part of the team’s coaching staff. On his return to Malta, he joined Naxxar as a player/coach. With his coaching skills second to none, he was given the task of preparing the Maltese youths for the National Team, when he was appointed U/21 National Coach. The results the team obtained while in his charge and the respect from his ex-players speak for themselves. After four successful years, he took over Pieta Hotspur, leading them to unusual high position in the league standings. Recently he was appointed as Technical Director at Marsaxlokk F.C.

Ray’s favourite National Team is Malta and Manchester United for a foreign team. He says that Ronhaldinio is the player to watch. Ray preferred dish is Pasta and a nice glass of dry white wine. Advice to young footballers : Work hard and Concentrate on what you are doing.

Ronald is currently an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Malta. He is 46 years old and hails from Mellieha. Ronald is a vastly experienced coach having started coaching courses in 1987. He obtained the UEFA ‘A’ License in 2005. His first years as a coach were spent with his hometown Mellieha S.C. where he started coaching the U 10s in 1990. By 1999 he was appointed First Team Coach, at that time Mellieha S.C. participated in the MFA 2nd Division League. Ronald can be described as Zazu’s right hand man in regards to Football.

Zazu chose Ronald as one of the coaches for The Gary Neville Soccer Schools held in Malta between 2001-2004. He was also chosen for the Liverpool Academy held in Malta in 2004. Since then he followed Zazu to Pieta where he was Head Coach of the Football Nursery and assisted Zazu in the pre-season training camp in Italy. Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery recruited Ronald for two seasons (2003-2005). He then rejoined Zazu at Sliema Wanderers again as a Head Coach at the Nursery and assistant to Zazu in the Premier Division.

No wonder that Ronald has been the only other coach at Zazu Football School since its foundation in Feb 2005. The yearly Penalty Shoot-Out reflects Ronald’s great organizational skills.

Paul started his football carrer in Bolton, UK, where he played school football from the age of 11. He went on to represent Bolton Schools – District Teams age 14 and 15 and was even made captain of both sides. He progressed to become captain of Greater Manchester Schools age 15 and captain as well of the North West England School age 15. His career took a turn when he was offered apprenticeship contracts with Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic and Manchester City. But his choice was Manchester United. He signed his first contract at the age of 15. Paul progressed from playing for the B team to the A team and then the Reserve Team in just 2 seasons. His first professional contract was offered when he was 18 years old, which he signed for 2 years. He continued to be a regular in the Reserves. The nearest he came to play for the first tea was when he was named as a substitute in a European Cup Winners Cup match against Athinaikos of Greece. He can boast that he played in the same team as the likes of Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and David Beckham.

Paul came to Malta in 1992 and played for Naxxar Lions in the 2nd Division. With Naxxar he won two consecutive promotions to the Premier Division. In the latter year, Paul also finished as top-scorer in the 1st Division. He spent 5 seasons at Naxxar in the Premier Division. He later became player/coach with the same club. Having acquired Maltese citizenship after marrying a Maltese girl, Paul was selected to represent Malta with the National Football Team. He made 12 appearances and even scored against Macedonia. He has been coaching at Zazu Football School since the 2008-2009 season.