Idyllic island Amilla Fushi has raised the game for family holidays in the Maldives this Easter, hosting its first ever football training camp exclusively for kids in partnership with FUTBOLTEC.

The Sydney-based football programme owned by Asian Champions League winner Jason Trifiro and his brother, current Sydney United 58 player Glen Trifiro, invited young guests to train and perfect their skills through elite coaching on the island’s very own full-sized pitch.

“We’re determined to bring innovative new ideas to the Maldives tourism industry,” Mark Hehir, CEO and Curator of parent company The Small Maldives Island Co. (TSMIC), said.

“This time we wanted to focus on the youth. And we found that football is loved by all. This training camp is just a start. Popular teams and players will come down here and participate in future camps.”

Alongside guests from Amilla Fushi and sister resort Finolhu, over 30 students from the local school in the neighbouring island of Eydhafushi participated in the complimentary training camp, which was held from Thursday to Monday. Every morning, four visiting coaches from FUTBOLTEC coached players aged from 5-11 years. Those aged 12-16 years were coached in the afternoon.

At the end of the three days, players went head to head in a fun-filled match before a crowd of their loyal fans. Each player was fully kitted with an exclusive training shirt, shorts and socks from premium athletic clothing brand ALPHA Gear to ensure they were fully equipped.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport, Amilla offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestled amongst lush tree tops or huggin the shores of pristine white sand. Additionally, eight spectacular four to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy are also available.

Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop and Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.

With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club, Amilla is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

Just 30 minutes by speedboat from sister resort Amilla, Finolhu is a stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe and a refreshing, retro-inspired burst of fun for the region. Bringing toes-in-the-sand relaxation to fun-loving beach-erati alongside the best DJs, live acts and most fabulously chic parties in the Maldives. Finolhu’s 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool in either one or two bedroom options being the ultimate island experience for chic couples, fun-loving families and gatherings of friends alike.