The Malta U-15 girls squad are on their way to Thailand to participate in a Development Tournament between December 9 and 13, 2018.
UEFA has invited the Malta FA to send the Uder-15 girls team to take part in this tournament under the UEFA Assist programme – an initiative aimed at providing practical assistance to other confederations and their member associations in order to develop and strengthen football across the globe.
Malta, under the guidance of coach Dorianne Theuma launch their commitments with a match against Mongolia (December 9, 4pm) before facing Singapore two days later (4pm). Their final game is against hosts Thailand on December 13 (7.30pm) with all the matches being played in Buriram.
Theuma, who is assisted by Charlene Zammit in the role of assistant coach and goalkeepers coach Michelle Zahra, has selected a squad of 20 players for the Thailand tournament.
“It’s a unique experience for me and for the rest of the team as we will be playing against teams outside Europe,” Theuma told www.mfa.com.mt.
“We are facing teams with completely different playing styles and it will be interesting to gauge our level with theirs.”
This tournament should also aid Theuma’s preparations for two important events next year – the annual UEFA U-16 Development Tournament and the 2020 UEFA U-17 European qualifiers, to be played in Belarus.
“Our aim for this tournament is to produce positive performances in order to enhance our competitive element while consolidating the work we have done so far.
“We have two important tournaments coming up next year and we are starting our preparation as early as possible.”
Pierre Brincat, the Director of Women’s Football within the Malta FA, welcomed UEFA’s invitation for the Malta U-15 girls team to take part in this tournament.
“This invitation is a testament to our efforts and commitment towards raising the level of women’s football in Malta,” Brincat said.
“The parents of the young players in our squad have been very supportive and we are looking forward to this experience in Thailand.”
MALTA U-15 SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Maya Cachia (Mosta), Justyne Caruana (Raiders).
DEFENDERS
Alexandra Gatt (Mġarr United), Laura Chetcuti Dimech (Raiders (Luxol), Martina Fenech (Mosta), Izabella Camilleri (Gozo), Naomi Blundell (Raiders (Luxol)), Mariah Cardona (Birkirkara), Rhea Borg (Mosta).
MIDFIELDERS
Kaycee Micallef (Birkirkara), Hannah Khatib (Hibernians), Martina Cortis (Mosta), Maya Lucia (Raiders (Luxol)), Haley Bugeja (Mġarr United), Elena Sissons (Hibernians), Rebecca Laferla (Mġarr United), Georgiana Mifsud (Gozo).
FORWARDS
Thea Borg (Gozo), Kailey Willis (Birkirkara), Veronique Mifsud (Birkirkara)