Celebrating 20 Years of Women's Football in Malta: Honoring Pioneers

In a heartfelt ceremony held yesterday, 18 players and a dedicated coach were recognized and awarded tokens of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to women's football in Malta. These individuals hold a special place in Maltese football history, as they were the first players to represent Malta on the international stage. The occasion is even more significant as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the first-ever international women's football match in Malta.

On August 10, 2003, Malta's women's national team took their inaugural step into international competition by facing Romania. Regrettably, the Maltese team suffered a 3-0 defeat in their debut match. However, this setback marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for women's football in the country.

Since that fateful day, the Malta national women's team has participated in 127 games, an achievement that includes an impressive record of not losing in 58 of those matches. It's essential to commemorate the first-ever goal scored by Sarah Caruana against Croatia, a moment that is etched in Maltese football history. Notably, Sarah Caruana was also present at the awards ceremony, symbolizing the continuity and spirit of the game.

Among the 18 players recognized for their significant contributions, Dorianne Theuma stands out. Still active in the Malta national team, Dorianne boasts an impressive 116 caps and has netted 26 goals, making her the player with the most appearances and a vital asset to the team. Additionally, Dionne Tonna serves as the assistant coach of the national women's team, ensuring the continuous growth and development of the sport. Michelle Zahra, another important figure, remains involved in the national team sector, highlighting the enduring commitment to women's football.  Furthermore, it's worth noting that several other former players remain actively engaged in the local football scene, contributing to the sport's growth and development in Malta. Pierre Brincat continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of women's football in Malta as the Director of Women's Football in the association. His dedication and leadership are instrumental in shaping the future of the sport.  Additionally, Ludovico Micallef, our Senior Vice President, has been a driving force in the development of women's football in Malta. He has consistently been the go-to person from the administration responsible for women's football, ensuring its growth and success.

During the awards ceremony, President Bjorn Vassallo presented tokens of appreciation to the honored individuals and reflected on the remarkable journey of Maltese women in sports. He emphasized that now, more than ever, the association recognizes the importance of women's participation in football. In a historic move, the Malta Football Association is on the brink of launching its first-ever strategy for women's football in Malta, a development that underlines the commitment to the growth and development of the sport. Furthermore, starting from the next March, the Malta FA will welcome a female vice president, further solidifying the role of women in leadership positions within the organization.

The 18 players recognized for their significant contributions in the ceremony are:

• Agius Tessie
• Agliano Eleonora
• Azzopardi Maria
• Bondin Chantal (nee Fenech)
• Busuttil Griffin Francesca (nee Debono)
• Camilleri Catherine
• Caruana Sarah
• D'Agostino Rebecca
• Dimech Tonina
• Harvey Marisa (nee Deguara)
• Pace Natasha
• Sammut Alexandra
• Scicluna Alexia
• Theuma Dorianne
• Tonna Dionne
• Vella Joanne
• Vella Lesley Ann
• Zahra Michelle
• Brincat Pierre

This event not only commemorates the pioneers of women's football in Malta but also underscores the enduring commitment to promote and nurture the sport, ensuring that women continue to play a vital role in the future of Maltese football.