Coppola mulling future in French league

Malta international Maria Coppola has already played abroad during her career in women's football.

In the late 90s she left the Malta FA national championship and travelled across the continent to play in the United States for Oklahoma University and Bartlesville University.

However, the one-season stint she has just completed in the French league with Division Two side US Pecq Football has seen her game flourishing so much that the 29-year-old former Melita midfielder is now pondering on a move to the French top league next season after receiving some tempting offers.

Women's football in France is very popular with regional competitions organised by the national federation.

Last month, the national team qualified for the final stages of the UEFA Women's Championship in England but were drawn in a tough group with eventual winners Germany and finalists Norway.

"There was a lot of interest when the national team was playing in England," Coppola said.

"The game has an incredible following and the competition is tough. All matches are played on turf. Le Pecq are in Division Two along with 23 other teams.

"We had a good season and the club was happy with my contribution. They told me that in previous years the team struggled in mid-table positions but this time we finished among the top sides in the league."

Le Pecq had player-coach Melanie Robbles, 25, in charge and despite the relatively young age she did a wonderful job for the team. Coppola reckons Robbles's influence left a positive mark on her performances.

"She is fully qualified and her training sessions are innovative," Coppola said.

"When I joined the side I was more like a roving midfielder in the opponents' half. Robbles then asked me to play a pivotal role for Le Pecq. I had to run faster and distribute the ball more effectively in attack.

"I was the only foreign player in the squad and the training was hard but with Robbles around it wasn't difficult to settle in my new position. I also scored a couple of vital goals for the team and that lifted my confidence as the season progressed."

Coppola is currently in Malta taking a deserved break from the game and mulling on her future in football. With her husband working full time in Paris, there's no doubt that she will settle there for the time being.

Her destination in the French league is still undecided however.

"I liked playing for Le Pecq," Coppola remarked. "They're an organised multi-sport club with professional facilities.

"I miss my former team-mates at Melita and the MFA league but playing abroad has always been a priority for me. The experience of home and away matches and the travelling with the squad is unique.

"Le Pecq want me to stay but I'm also evaluating a couple of offers from Division One teams, including one from Paris SG. I'm not getting younger and opportunities like these come once in a lifetime.

"However, I will take my time to decide. The league in France starts in October so there's no particular hurry even though I have to keep the hard training going to stay in shape for the pre-season."