Swieqi United Launch Semi-Pro Initiative For Women’s Team

Swieqi United have taken a forward leap by introducing semi-professional contracts for their women’s team as from the upcoming season. Club President Dr Justin Fenech cast his backing, citing the club’s commitment to a One Team, One Club philosophy, while hinting at the wider impact of the decision on pushing the professionalisation of the women’s game domestically.

A Leap That Pushes The Boundary

Hopes of becoming a professional female football player in Malta have gotten brighter following Swieqi United’s decision to introduce a semi-professional contract for their women’s team. The club announced that they will be going forward with this initiative as from the upcoming season.

The club hailed the decision as one which continues to underline the One Team, One Club philosophy it seeks to embrace. Club President Dr Justin Fenech backed the initiative, “As a club, we are consistently pushing boundaries to raise the bar across all teams and age groups. This announcement underscores our clear commitment not only to the women’s sector but also to our overall vision for Swieqi United FC. The effort and hard work of our women’s team must be recognized and valued.”

Dr Fenech also hinted at the wider impact of the club’s decision on the local women’s footballing landscape, “I also believe this is the next step to inspire the younger generation in becoming semi-professional and take women’s football to the next level here in Malta.”

The decision does indeed mark a new horizon for women’s football in Malta, in view of the fact that the vast majority of female footballers on the island are still playing on an amateur basis. While there have been leaps for the Malta Women’s National Team following a number of signed Memorandums of Association between the Malta Football Association (MFA) and the Malta Football Players’ Association (MFPA), being a full-time professional female footballer is still a dream for Maltese female footballers based in Malta. Swieqi United’s decision challenges that ceiling.

What Do The Contracts Entail?

Financial compensation may be the first item that pops into many minds with the mention of a semi-professional contract, but the package entails more. The Sporting Fan understands that these semi-professional contracts have been tailored with an intention of sustainability in the long term.

While exact details of the contract remain under wraps, accompanying financial compensation are initiatives intended to increase support in player development, thus incentivising players and rewarding their growth.

The introduction of semi-professional contracts also puts control mechanisms in adherence to employment legislations, which protects both parties in the situation. In doing so, it formalises expectations on both ends and thus elevates the professionalism of the sport.

The Die Is Cast

As with any leap, the risk and reward of the decision will only be truly measurable as the season unfolds. In the short term, the announcement will have a bearing on this summer’s transfer market, while it will be up to the club to ensure its investment is well spent.

On the other hand, football in Malta has struggled with sustainability on the men’s side and so an educated approach is crucial to avoid similar issues plaguing the women’s game, which is still in its infancy in this respect. Swieqi United’s decision means that competition between clubs for players is formally going into a new playing field. It also means that expectations from players are also changing.

In the long-term, should the initiative prove successful for all parties’ objectives, then it changes the landscape in the women’s game domestically. It marks another step toward a semi-professional league and potentially, full professionalisation. Only time will tell, but for now the decision can only be welcomed as a positive step toward professionalising the women’s game in Malta.

Lead Image: Lara Schembri

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