As part of its on-going efforts to further develop and increase the popularity of women’s football on our shores, the Women’s Football Department within the Malta Football Association (MFA) recently embarked on a new project.

During the second part of the 2017-18 season, after-school sessions were held across Malta and Gozo with a view to reaching out to more girls, especially those aged seven to 10 years, in the process giving them the opportunity to learn the basics of football.

A total of 185 girls from the following eight schools participated in this pilot project: Birkirkara Primary School (19 girls), Birżebbuġa Primary School (29), Fgura Primary School (24), Sacred Heart Junior School (14), St Joan Antide Primary School (31), St Martins College (12), St Paul’s Bay Primary School (37) and Bishop’s Conservatory Primary School – Gozo (19).

Participants took part in a weekly session conducted by 12 qualified coaches appointed by the Malta FA.

“This initiative has been hugely positive as several girls who are not affiliated with a club attended these sessions, thus enabling them to understand that the Beautiful Game can also be played by girls,” Pierre Brincat, the MFA Technical Director of Women’s Football, said.

Encouraged by the feedback received from the schools, parents and the girls themselves, the Women’s Football Department is planning to further expand this project during the next scholastic year, starting in October.

The schools that were part of the pilot project have already expressed their interest to participate in the next edition.

“Being a football player is indeed a privilege,” Brincat added.

“Women’s football is evolving and the international football bodies, UEFA and FIFA, and the Malta FA are investing heavily in the women’s sector.”

More information on women’s and grassroots football may be obtained by sending an email to footballgirls@mfa.com.mt.