Swieqi United Football Club (SUFC), established in 2009 by university students and Swieqi residents, has made remarkable strides in Maltese football and futsal. Known for its distinctive orange shirts, the club quickly rose through the ranks, earning promotion to the 1st Division within a few years. It opened its own premises, launched an Under-19s team, and established a Youth Academy, demonstrating a strong commitment to nurturing young talent. Despite initial setbacks, including a rejected application in 2007, the founders’ perseverance led to the club’s official recognition by the Malta Football Association in 2009. Swieqi United has been a trailblazer in the local football scene, with significant achievements such as winning various youth league titles across different age groups, including Under 19, Under 17, and Under 15 squads, and making commendable progress in women’s football. Their Women’s Team has been consistently successful, securing runner-up positions in the BOV Women’s League and winning the BOV Women’s Second Division. The club’s Futsal Squad also attained notable success in the FMA Futsal Elite Division. These accomplishments, coupled with awards like the MFPA Special Award and the MFA Fair Play Award, underscore Swieqi United’s impact and growth in Maltese football, showcasing their potential for further success with adequate support and funding.

At Swieqi United FC, our mission is to operate as a unified entity under the principle of ‘One Team One Club.’ We prioritise equal treatment across all teams, ensuring one receives preferential treatment.

Our committee manages the Academy (U5-U17 age groups) and the Seniors team (U19s, Men’s & Women’s Seniors Teams, and Futsal and Walking Football Squads).

The Academy’s philosophy centres on the holistic development of young individuals, creating an environment where players learn and enhance their skills on and off the pitch. Through football we teach: self-discipline, communication, concentration, teamwork, self-motivation, and leadership. Our environment enables all members to thrive and enjoy success while having fun, fostering pride in themselves, their surroundings, and the football club. Our commitment extends beyond football, as we actively promote and support our players’ health, personal development, and educational achievements.

Swieqi United FC has tapped into several Local and European funded projects such as:

1. UNITED PLAY funded by ERASMUS+ Small Scale Partnerships 2024
2. GOAL funded by ERASMUS+ Small Scale Partnerships 2025
3. WALKFIT funded by ERASMUS+ Small Scale Partnerships 2025
4. COACH-EX funded by ERASMUS+ KA182 – 2025
5. Walking Football funded by the Small Initiatives Scheme, Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector
6. KHS Cup 2023 / 2024 / 2025: Knowhowsoccer funded by SportMalta
7. 2024 Football Tournaments in Torino & Nigeria and Training Camps in the Czech Republic partially funded by the International Participation Assistance Scheme 2024

Scope of Work: Football Club and Football Academy
Areas of Activity: Football Education, Football Management, Innovative & holistic education through football, active ageing.
Paid Staff: 6 FTEs and 25 PTEs
Unpaid Staff: 15
Academy players: 180 minors
Members: 90 Senior Team Members

1. GOAL – Growing Outstanding Athletic Leaders 2025: The GOAL project aims to strengthen football talent identification and development systems across Malta, Finland and the Netherlands by introducing an aligned, evidence-based approach to scouting and coaching. Through coach training, job shadowing and knowledge exchange the project, led by Swieqi United FC, enhances coaches’ skills, promotes gender equality and inclusion and supports the holistic physical, psychological and nutritional development of young athletes, contributing to higher-quality and more sustainable grassroots football systems.
2. WALK FIT: Walking Football for Inclusion & Togetherness 2025: This project is an Erasmus+ sport initiative led by Swieqi United FC, that together with Italian partners in Bologna, promotes safe, low-intensity physical activity among adults aged 50+, using walking football to enhance physical and mental well-being, social inclusion and community engagement. By removing barriers such as fear of injury and low motivation, the project encourages lifelong participation in sport through innovative, accessible and age-appropriate methodologies.
3. COACH-EX: Coaching Exchange for Football Excellence 2025: COACH-EX is an Erasmus+ Sport mobility project focused on enhancing coaches’ competencies through a structured exchange with Finnish partners, allowing coaches to gain expertise in climate-specific training, injury prevention and innovative coaching methodologies. By supporting grassroots development, promoting inclusion and gender equality and forming long-term international collaboration, the project strengthens the quality and sustainability of coach education across both countries.
4. United Play: Fostering Cultural Exchange and Holistic Growth in Youth Sports 2024: This was an Erasmus+ sport project led by Swieqi United FC and who partnered with AP ORLEN Gdańsk that used football to promote holistic youth development, cultural exchange and social inclusion among young athletes from Malta and Poland. Through coach education, parental engagement, mobility activities and international tournaments, the project strengthened life skills, European cooperation and long-term networks within the grassroots sport sector.
5. Walking Football funded by the Small Initiatives Scheme 2023: This project was funded to organise a walking football league specifically designed for older adults and senior citizens aged 56 and over. The primary objective is to promote active and healthy lifestyles among this target group, fostering social connections and community engagement and to create a new organisation run entirely by volunteers. The Walking Football League will provide a safe and enjoyable environment for seniors to participate in the sport, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social interaction.
6. KHS Cup 2019 to 2024: Knowhowsoccer partially funded by SportMalta: The KHS Cup provides planning and organization of technical and administrative periodisation and program training football sessions during the season and off the season. This is the latest, updated modern coaching concept and methodology that teaches players to perform at their maximum potential. Tournaments are organised monthly bringing local and foreign football teams together locally and across Europe bringing even up to Over 100 young players, at any given tournament of all ages.
7. 2024 Football Tournaments in Torino & Nigeria and Training Camps in the Czech Republic partially funded by the International Participation Assistance Scheme 2024: SUFC received funding to advance the potential of Maltese youth in sports for three distinct yet interrelated projects: a specialised tournament in Torino for the youth and grassroots teams, the participation of the senior team in an international tournament in Nigeria, and a developmental academy tournament in the Czech Republic. These initiatives are strategically designed to align with Malta’s National Youth Policy and the National Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity, reflecting our dedication to fostering young talent, encouraging international sports engagement, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in line with the EU’s sports policies. Through these projects, SUFC will create opportunities for growth, cultural exchange, and enhanced sportsmanship among our young athletes, contributing significantly to Malta’s evolving sports landscape.

Dr. Justin Fenech, holding a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta, has been actively involved in student representation, having served as President of the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU) and Chairperson of the European Students Union (ESU). His engagement in these roles has equipped him with valuable experience in conducting consultations with stakeholders at various levels, both locally and internationally.

In the realm of education policy, Dr. Fenech has delivered keynotes at several conferences organized by entities like the European Commission, UNESCO, and OECD, among others. He has contributed articles on the topic of quality assurance in ICT Enhanced Learning, showcasing his insights and research in the field. His involvement in the creation of the European Register of Quality Assurance Agencies (EQAR) as part of the E4 group and his commissioned work by UNESCO underscore his expertise in higher education standards.

After beginning his career as a Notary Public in 2009, Dr. Fenech co-founded the Knowledge Innovation Centre (KIC) is a social enterprise working on the crossroad of education, technology and quality assurance, being an active participant in ERASMUS+ projects, thus leveraging his background in law and education. He has also written extensively on the Bologna Process, furthering discussions on higher education in Europe.

Currently, Dr. Fenech serves as the President of Swieqi United Football Club in Malta, applying his diverse experience from previous roles to the management and development of the club. His academic and professional journey includes significant contributions to the fields of notarial services, football management, education policy, research, legal and financial services, and the development of NGOs. His skills encompass qualitative research, project management, and a thorough understanding of the EU and higher education.

Dr. Fenech’s role at Swieqi United Football Club benefits from his broad skill set, including his ability to manage projects and secure EU funding, which are instrumental in the club’s growth and success.

Timothy Gingell, a versatile professional with a Psychology (Hons.) degree from the University of Malta and a recent Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Management from Birkbeck College, University of London. With a fervour for sports and a dedication to excellence, Timothy offers a unique skill set.

As the CEO of Swieqi United FC, Timothy has showcased the necessary leadership skills to propel the club toward it’s desired successes while putting the club’s commitment to community driven initiatives at the forefront of the club.

Before venturing into sports, Timothy spent seven years in management consulting at KPMG. There, he refined his understanding of organizational intricacies and developed strategies to maximize operational potential.

He has also been the Technical Coordinator for all Swieqi United FC Projects to date.

Diana Miceli is a seasoned project management professional with a strong focus on EU-funded programs, particularly ERASMUS+ and Horizon Europe among others. With 16 years of experience, she has adeptly managed projects across governmental, corporate, NGO, and private sectors, covering the full project lifecycle from inception to completion. Her expertise ensures projects meet defined goals within their scope, timeline, and budget.

Her proficiency in EU funding programs is marked by successful project applications, coordination, and implementation, showcasing her ability to navigate complex funding requirements, engage stakeholders effectively, and achieve project objectives. These efforts have notably advanced educational, innovation, and sustainable development initiatives.

Additionally, Miceli has contributed to capacity building and knowledge dissemination through training sessions on innovation management, proposal writing, and leadership, both locally and internationally. Her strategic project management skills, combined with a deep understanding of EU funding mechanisms, make her an invaluable asset to projects aiming for impactful outcomes.

She has also been the Projects Coordinator for all Swieqi United FC Projects to date.

Caroline Tissot is a senior leader with over 20 years of experience across education, sport, international programme management, and public service. As Deputy Director of SUFC International Football Academy, she leads strategic growth initiatives, develops international partnerships and oversees inclusive programme delivery that integrates academic and athletic development.

She has successfully guided organisations through complex crises, safeguarding sector sustainability, strengthening governance frameworks, and contributing to national policy development. Her expertise spans stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, intercultural collaboration and organisational leadership.

Caroline brings a strategic, solutions-oriented approach to Erasmus+ projects, with a strong commitment to sustainable impact, innovation, and inclusive participation across diverse communities.

She has also been the Projects Coordinator responsible for Logistics for most of the Swieqi United FC Projects to date.

Stefania Fichera is an EU projects and communication manager supporting the Swieqi United Football Club. She contributes to the coordination and dissemination of ERASMUS+ projects like UNITED PLAY, GOAL & WALKFIT. Her work includes project administration through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, communication and social media management, translation of project materials, and monitoring of dissemination activities. Stefania has developed strong skills in project management support and digital communication in multicultural and international project environments. Stefania is also the communications support manager for the EIT Community Hub – Malta which represents the European Institute for Innovation and Technology – a body of the European Union.