Women’s football in Malta is experiencing a major shift, with increasing efforts to promote gender equality in the sport. Once considered a male-dominated field, recent initiatives by the Malta Football Association (Malta FA) have helped create a more inclusive environment.
Several projects, including PROGRES and iFLIPP, have laid the groundwork for policy changes, while the EU-funded TARGET project has brought significant progress. One of the most notable developments has been the appointment of Malta’s first female national team coach and a female vice president within the Malta FA. In December, Dr. Maria Azzopardi became the first woman to serve as the association’s General Secretary.
Encouraging participation at all levels, programs like ‘She Scores’ provide women with opportunities to engage in football, and mixed-gender training for younger players is fostering inclusivity. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding funding, facilities, and sponsorship, which still favor men’s teams. While some female players attract strong individual sponsorships, investment in the women’s game as a whole has yet to catch up.
Despite these obstacles, the sport is gaining momentum. Women’s football in Malta has seen growing support from fans, and the national team’s success has generated further interest. The TARGET project continues to drive development, aiming to expand grassroots programs and increase female representation in key roles such as coaching and refereeing.
Malta’s efforts in gender equality are reflected in its 2024 Gender Equality Index score of 70.1, ranking it 13th in the EU. With ongoing investment and cultural change, women’s football in Malta is steadily building a stronger future.
