top of page
Search
All blogs


Childhood Obesity in Malta: Parents Want Action – But Not Taxes
Malta has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in Europe — and it’s not slowing down. According to a new University of Malta study led by Marika Borg , Daniel Cauchi , Charmaine Gauci , and Neville Calleja , over 40% of Maltese primary school children are overweight or obese. The research reveals that while most parents want the government to act, they don’t all agree on how . The study This large cross-sectional survey involved 1,169 parents of children aged 5–11 fr

Darren Bezzina
Oct 233 min read


The Psychology of Choking Under Pressure
You’ve seen it happen — the missed penalty, the open goal fumbled, the gymnast who nails the routine every day in training but freezes in the final. They call it “choking under pressure.” But why does it happen? And can athletes learn to stop it? What Does It Mean to “Choke”? Choking is when an athlete fails to perform at their usual level despite being fully prepared , usually because of mental pressure. It’s not about lack of skill — it’s about what happens inside the brai

Darren Bezzina
Oct 172 min read


Suffering in Silence: The Mental Health Challenges in Maltese Football
When we think of footballers, we picture strength, discipline, and confidence. But behind the image of control and success, many are struggling in silence . A new study by Ayrton Attard and Dr Adele Muscat from the University of Malta reveals a reality few in Maltese football want to talk about — mental health challenges are widespread among Premier League players , yet support and understanding remain shockingly limited. The study Eight male players from Malta’s Premier L

Darren Bezzina
Oct 173 min read


Are Maltese Football Coaches Wasting Time? What the Data Reveals
Every coach complains there isn’t enough training time. But what if the real problem isn’t time itself — it’s how that time is used? A...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 272 min read


Muscle Fibre Types and Why They Matter in Sport
Why can Usain Bolt explode over 100 metres while Eliud Kipchoge can run marathons at a blistering pace without slowing down? The secret...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 222 min read


The Science of Progressive Overload
If you lifted the same weight, ran the same distance, or did the same workout every day for a year — would you get fitter? The answer is...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 222 min read


Why Hamstring Injuries Are So Common in Sport
One sprint, one sharp movement, and suddenly — a player pulls up holding the back of their leg. If you’ve watched football, rugby,...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 223 min read


Protein Timing: Does It Really Matter?
You’ve probably heard it before: “Get your protein shake in within 30 minutes of training or you’ll waste your workout.” It’s a common...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 152 min read


Faster Off the Line: How Biomechanics Shapes Sprinting
In sprinting, the first few steps often decide the race. A great start can mean the difference between winning and being left behind —...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 153 min read


Maltese Sport in Context: A Turning Point for Local Research
For too long, debates about sport in Malta have relied on imported ideas and quick fixes. But what happens when we finally start building...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 152 min read


Why Do People Play Sport? The Theories Behind Participation
Why do some people stay active all their lives, while others drop out early? Is it about money, free time, facilities, or motivation? A...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 152 min read


Why Malta Still Struggles in Elite Sport – And What Needs to Change
For years, Malta has invested millions into sports infrastructure, athlete support, and national strategies. Yet when it comes to...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 142 min read


Wellness, Fatigue, and Football: What Malta’s Young Players Teach Us About Training Smarter
Every coach wants to push players to their limits. But in youth football, where growth, learning, and long-term development matter most,...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 142 min read


Do Sports Really Boost School Marks? What Maltese Research Says
For years, parents and teachers in Malta have debated a simple question: does playing sport help students perform better in school, or...

Darren Bezzina
Sep 142 min read


Motivation: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic in Sport
Why do some athletes push themselves when no one is watching — while others only give their all when medals, money, or applause are on...

Darren Bezzina
Aug 262 min read


Lactate: Friend or Foe in Performance?
You know that feeling when you sprint flat out, and suddenly your legs feel like concrete? Most of us blame it on “lactic acid.” Coaches...

Darren Bezzina
Aug 263 min read


Periodisation Explained: Why Athletes Peak at the Right Time
Ever wondered why world-class athletes seem to hit their very best form at the Olympics, World Cup, or finals — and not six months...

Darren Bezzina
Aug 192 min read


Who Plays Sport in Malta – and Why It’s Not About Money
When it comes to sport in Malta, we often hear about lack of talent, small population size, or even cultural attitudes holding us back....

Darren Bezzina
Aug 132 min read


How an Evidence-Based PE Curriculum Boosted Maltese Children’s Fitness – and Why It Matters
In a country where over 40% of children are overweight or obese , the role of schools in promoting physical activity has never been more...

Darren Bezzina
Aug 132 min read


VO₂ Max Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters
Understanding the measure that defines endurance potential If there was one number that could predict your endurance performance better...

Darren Bezzina
Aug 104 min read
bottom of page
