The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), in collaboration with Bank of Valletta (BOV), officially launched the 2026 BOV Summer League during a press conference, while outlining key developments in water polo, swimming, governance, grassroots development and international participation.
The event also marked the renewal of ASA and BOV's longstanding partnership for a further three years. Under the enhanced agreement, BOV will extend its support beyond senior competitions to include all junior leagues, covering Under-14, Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 competitions.
Addressing the media, ASA President Karl Izzo highlighted the Association's continued growth and the international recognition achieved through Malta's successful hosting of the Men's and Women's World Cups and the European Aquatics Champions League Final Four. These events generated unprecedented exposure for Maltese water polo, with the Final Four alone reaching over 22.5 million social media views and an estimated global audience of 15.5 million people.
ASA also announced a strong programme of international participation for Malta's national teams. In the coming months, Maltese athletes will compete in the Men's Under-16 World Championships in Zagreb, the Men's Under-20 European Championships in Varna, the Women's Under-18 World Championships in Tenerife, and the Women's Under-20 European Championships in Oeiras, Portugal. Preparations are also underway for a busy 2027 calendar, including the World Cup Division B, European Championship 2028 qualification rounds, the Games of the Small States of Europe in Monaco, European Youth Championships at the Under-16 and Under-18 levels, and the Commonwealth Youth Games, which Malta will host.
A key announcement was the introduction of the European Aquatics VAR Protocol in the BOV Summer League, a major step in the modernisation of domestic water polo officiating. Already used in European Aquatics competitions, the system is intended to enhance fairness, accuracy and transparency in key match decisions. Other developments include the continued expansion of the Girls' Water Polo Academy and Splash Ball grassroots programme, the hosting of Oceanman Malta and the COMEN Open Water Swimming Cup, the international recruitment process for a National Team Head Coach and Technical Director, and a governance reform programme through the new ASA Board of Rules and Regulations.
ASA also confirmed Malta's participation in the inaugural international Water Polo 4x4 event in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Introduced by World Aquatics, the new discipline is expected to play an important role in the future development of the sport and offers another international opportunity for Maltese athletes.
BOV's Continued Commitment to Sport
Speaking during the press conference, BOV Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Chair of the BOV Foundation, Ernest Agius, reaffirmed the Bank's long-standing support for water polo in Malta: "At BOV, we are proud to have supported the Aquatic Sports Association for many years. This partnership reflects our commitment to sport, healthy lifestyles, well-being and initiatives that bring communities together. From this year, we are also placing a stronger focus on grassroots development, helping to ensure that sport continues to have a strong and sustainable future."
Mr Agius noted that the Bank's support forms part of its wider Community Programme, which promotes physical and mental well-being while supporting national sporting excellence.
A Longstanding Partnership
BOV has supported the ASA and local water polo competitions for more than a decade, contributing to the development of clubs, athletes, officials and Malta's national teams.
The launch of the 2026 BOV Summer League marks another milestone in the collaboration between Bank of Valletta and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, supporting the continued growth, sustainability and success of one of Malta's most followed sporting disciplines.
