Head coach Fatih Dedelioğlu, who coached in the Louis Borg Cup Final and National League Playoff Semi-Final with Depiro in the 2022 season, and in the National League Semi-Final, won the U23 Championship and Malta Women’s Basketball Super Cup with Starlites in 2023, is now training the stars of the future across various sports through the FD Sports Academy, which he founded.
This journey, which began in September 2024 with an exclusive group of just 8 players receiving personalized basketball training, has already borne fruit by producing a player for the Malta U16 National Team. Another athlete is about to embark on an academic journey through a basketball scholarship.
For the new season, the goals are even bigger: increasing the number of players, establishing U10 and U12 teams, integrating a chess department, and building a structure that will represent Malta internationally in all involved disciplines.
We spoke with Dedelioğlu, who aims to show that sports are not just a hobby but a real future, about his achievements and future goals.
1-Your academy started only with a basketball branch and a private group of 8 players receiving personalized training. The progress you’ve made in such a short time is impressive. Could you tell us about this journey and how the first year went from your perspective?
In our first year, we took a small step with big ambitions. Initially, we focused solely on individual development, conducting private sessions with 8 players. Over time, their progress, confidence on the court, and mental transformation gave us a broader vision. Thanks to the trust of families and the dedication of the children, we quickly became a standout program. We are now progressing with broader goals such as team-based youth development structures, academic preparation, and long-term athlete career planning.
2-What does it mean for you to have one of your players selected for the Malta U16 National Team?
It’s a proud milestone for us. Having one of our players selected to the Malta U16 National Team is a great achievement both for the individual and the academy. It’s the result of disciplined work, proper guidance, and consistency. Talent alone wasn’t enough—character and work ethic played a crucial role. This example now serves as an inspiration for our other athletes.
3-Another one of your students is preparing for an academic journey through a sports scholarship. What would you like to say about the opportunities that arise when sports and education are combined?
We believe sports are one of the most powerful tools to support education. Skills like discipline, self-confidence, and time management gained through sports significantly impact academic success. Our student’s preparation for a scholarship shows how a well-directed sports career can open big doors. Stories like this reinforce our vision.
4-You’re planning to increase the number of players and establish U10 and U12 teams. What is your coaching philosophy for these age groups?
The U10 and U12 teams we aim to establish in the new season won’t just focus on teaching the basics. Our goal is to train them from an early age to be mentally and physically capable of competing at an international level. Through disciplined, structured training based on basketball IQ, we aim to contribute to Malta’s youth national teams and build a system that will support students’ education and sports careers. We’re not just building players—we’re building futures.
5-Can you tell us more about the try-outs on September 8th? Who can apply, and what will the process look like?
Our try-out on September 8th is open to players born in 2014, 2015, and 2016. We want to give all children an equal opportunity. Since we believe talent can be developed and earned, the try-out is open to all skill levels. Our evaluation criteria will go beyond talent. Selected players will have the chance to compete in both the Malta leagues and European Youth Leagues. Additionally, those selected will receive their training free of charge. As an academy, we will never ask for payment from any youth team player who is part of our core development program. Registration is available online at fdbasketballacademy.com or via the link in our Instagram bio.
6-You’re adding chess to the academy. What led to this decision, and how do you see a connection between chess and basketball?
Basketball requires quick decision-making, strategy, and focus—qualities very similar to those needed in chess. We included chess to support children’s mental development and to open our doors to kids who might not be interested in physical sports but enjoy intellectual challenges.
7-With monthly chess tournaments, what kind of community are you aiming to build?
Everyone, regardless of age or level, is welcome to join. Our main goal is to build a community that values strong social bonds, spends time on meaningful activities, and rewards learning. By involving families as well, we want to contribute to Malta’s chess culture. We also aim to create a platform for interaction with players from outside Malta.
8-Turkish-owned businesses like Kebab Factory and Aura Wellness have supported your journey. What are your thoughts on the importance of such collaborations?
Partnerships with local businesses are both a source of motivation and strength for us, financially and emotionally. Thanks to Kebab Factory’s support, we reached more children and families. Their established brand recognition and network in Malta have been a great help. Aura Wellness, on the other hand, gave our athletes and their families peace of mind in a sport prone to injuries. These collaborations prove that sports can grow not just on the court, but in the community as well. We are grateful to both. We hope to find even more businesses that can support our growing academy and its big dreams.
9-You aim to participate in the European Youth Basketball League. What do platforms like this bring to your athletes?
International platforms like these offer incredible opportunities for player development. Fast-paced games, exposure to different basketball cultures, and playing under international observation significantly boost young athletes’ motivation and performance.
10-Starting in summer 2026, you’re planning to organize annual camps with teams from Europe and Turkey. What kind of atmosphere can participants expect?
Our goal is to create not just a training environment, but a culture of sport and friendship. In these camps, kids will build new friendships and experience different playing styles. As an academy, we also hope to strengthen relationships with European clubs and collaborate on various projects. This will be a unique basketball event that has never been done before in Malta.
11-You also plan to participate in international FIDE chess tournaments in Sicily and Italy. What do you think are the chances for youth in Malta to succeed internationally?
With the right guidance, disciplined work, and a strong vision, we believe Malta’s youth have the potential to succeed on the international stage. They just need these opportunities to be presented early on. We’re doing our best to fill that gap.
12-You have a vision of sending your basketball players to the U.S. on scholarships. How will this process work, and what role do families play?
U.S. universities offer serious opportunities through sports scholarships. We focus on preparing our players technically, academically, and personally for this level. Families play a vital role by being patient and supportive. This is a marathon, and for those who believe in the process, it ends with a beautiful story.
13-You say “Sport is not just a hobby.” Can you expand on this perspective for families living in Malta or considering moving there?
Malta is a country where certain habits are legally and socially normalized, which can pose real risks, especially for young people. By doing what we do best, we aim to keep children away from these risky environments and show them that a different path is possible. Through sport, we help raise disciplined, responsible, and goal-oriented individuals. As role models, we aim to touch their lives and prevent many risks before they even emerge. For us, sport is a safe haven, a guide, and a source of hope.
14-Finally, as you enter your second year, what are the academy’s future plans? What can your followers expect?
Our vision is clear as we enter our second year: to grow without compromising educational quality in the short term and to build a sustainable, internationally recognized sports culture in Malta in the long term.
In the short term, we’ve already started strengthening our staff in both basketball and chess. One of our basketball coaches, Rafael Mesa Espinosa, has completed the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB) program—an internationally respected certification. In chess, we’ve added Onur Can Pala as director, an experienced coach with international FIDE ratings and experience in both Turkey and Malta. Increasing the quality of our training is one of the most concrete reflections of our vision.
In the next two years, we aim to structure both boys’ and girls’ youth teams across more age categories and guide them with serious goals. At the same time, by integrating parallel branches like chess, we aim to build a strong multi-sport foundation.
In the long term, our goal is to build ambitious senior teams for both men and women in Malta through sponsorship agreements. Our aim is not just local success; we are working to create a team capable of competing in European cups. For those who may not know, since Malta is a member of FIBA, teams that reach the playoff finals earn the right to participate in European competitions. So this is not a dream — it’s a realistic goal aligned with our vision.
Ultimately, our dream is to establish a modern sports facility — designed specifically for the development of our athletes — where we can bring together all our departments and activities under one roof. At this stage, we are open to collaborating with supporters who share our vision, particularly Turkish construction companies operating in Malta.
In short, at FD Sports Academy, we are not only focused on today — we are committed to building the future of sports in Malta. There are exciting developments ahead for everyone who follows us on this journey.
https://www.instagram.com/maltahaber?igsh=MXJ6Njh6anVncmNuOQ==
Tryout Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dIrBrUTKntDYnLP-yQq4jSWZ7mEANVwPFqSCej1IRqs
Chess Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15jra1-rpQvSmU3WHHPUDIQw32Cj8CgT6nmKCu96AcVI
Individual Sessions Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fXTdaMTI38ACQzQcz0RW2OF91dRvncg6pFvdNadWDz0