Swieqi United F.C.
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| Full name | Swieqi United Football Club | ||
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| Nickname(s) |
The Orange The Owls | ||
| Founded | 2009 | ||
| Ground |
Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali, Malta | ||
| Capacity | 3,000 | ||
| Manager |
 Billy Mock | ||
| League | Maltese BOV Second Division | ||
| 2015–16 | N/A | ||
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Swieqi United Football Club is a Maltese Football and Futsal club representing the municipality of Swieqi. The club was created by a group of University Students and Swieqi residents. Founded in 2009, the club enjoys a good fan-base especially amongst young people on the island. The team plays in Orange shirts (a fusion of the red and yellow of Swieqi) and use blue as the away kit. The club is renowned for giving young players the opportunity to play football and the club's symbol is the Owl – a reference to the students who founded Swieqi United F.C. The club is registered with the Malta Football Association and is registered with the Malta Sports Council. Despite being set up a mere five years ago, the club has already achieved promotion to the Second Division, has opened its own premises, launched an Under 19s team and established a Youth Academy.
Crest
The name is not only popular but also acts as a symbol. "The town of Swieqi, the village of Ta' l-Ibrag and the hamlet of Madliena have all merged hence UNITED into one team: Swieqi United FC". The 3 colours on the new crest (yellow, red and blue) represent these 3 entities which form the basis of the club's kits when competing in official MFA Competitions. The badge itself is primarily made up of Swieqi's colours. Modelled on the Swieqi Coat of arms it incorporates the red and yellow (merged into orange) symbolising the valleys and fields of Ta' l-Ibrag and Madliena. The blue and white represent the waterflow, the 'saqa' which gives its name to our beloved town
History
For many years, people were surprised that such a locality, with a population of over 8,000 people didn't have a football team. Talks of forming an Ibrag Football Club in the 1990s never materialized and in 2007 an application for a Swieqi Football Club was rejected by the MFA. However, it was always a question of 'when' rather than 'if' and the youths of Swieqi were always determined to make sure Swieqi was represented in the National Football League.
The club was approved unanimously by the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday, 28 May 2009 and the addition of Swieqi meant that the number of clubs in Division 3 increased to 20 as Qrendi and Mtarfa who placed last in Sections A and B respectively both re-applied and were approved. Swieqi would start competing competitively in 2009–10 MFA season.
The club's main colour was chosen to be orange since no other team in Malta used this colour at the time and Swieqi United wanted to create an up-market and elegant brand. The 14 April 2009, will certainly go down in the history of Swieqi United FC as its first ever committee was chosen to represent the club and in effect, the locality as a whole.
On 24 June 2009, the acting committee held the first ever Annual General Meeting at 119, Triq il-Qasam, Swieqi. Club President Ralph Agius Fernandez, Secretary Michael Calleja and Vice-President Gavin Ellul addressed the members of the club and described the work that had been done, together with the objectives and future projects. The nominations for the committee were also held, and thus the official committee for the 2009/2010 MFA season was announced.
On 28 June 2009, Roberto Debrincat was confirmed as Swieqi United's first ever manager.
2009–2010
On 13 July 2009, Swieqi United took part in the first MFA 3rd Division draws of their history. The new club was pitted against Zejtun Corinthians FC, Naxxar Lions FC, Gudja United FC, Attard FC, Xghajra Tornadoes FC, Qrendi FC, Sirens FC, Kirkop United FC and Santa Lucija FC.
The Orange were scheduled to play their historic, first-ever league match against the club from the seaside village of Xghajra.
The Quick Keno Division II/III Knock-Out draws were held on Tuesday, 21 July 2009. Swieqi United were drawn against Gudja United FC, Gzira United FC and Zebbug Rangers FC in Group 1.
Swieqi registered its first ever victory on 18 August 2009, in a friendly game vs Kirkop United. Daniel Bianco and Brian Grech scored in a 2–1 win.
Swieqi gained its first ever point in the Quick KENO Knockout on Saturday 12 September 2009. Trailing 0–3 against Gzira, Swieqi managed to score 3 goals and could have added a fourth in the final minutes. It was a dramatic end to a pulsating encounter.
Despite being their first season, Swieqi managed to register some positive wins throughout the campaign. On 1 October 2009 at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali, Swieqi played their first game in the BOV Third Division against Xghajra Tornadoes, winning the game 3–2. The support pushed the team on to claim a marvellous victory on their league debut. Notable wins included 3–1 vs Gudja, 4–0 vs Santa Lucia and 4–3 vs Qrendi. Also, Swieqi played some excellent football but were unlucky to lose 0–1 against table-toppers Naxxar Lions. Swieqi ended the 2009–10 season in 8th place with 16 points.
2010–2011
Swieqi United started the 2010–11 campaign quite promisingly. Contrary to the previous campaign, the KO Quick Keno Competition proved to be much more fruitful as Swieqi lost 0–2 to Senglea Athletic and registered draws against Santa Venera and Gharghur. The league campaign also got off to a very good start with Swieqi registering 3 wins from the first four matches propelling them into second place in the league by the end of October. However, a series of injuries and suspensions were coupled with a bad run which saw the club lose 3 matches on the trot sliding down the table. Nevertheless, some changes were made to the squad and the Christmas period proved to be more satisfying as Swieqi won the Noel Muscat Cup vs Pembroke Athleta (3–1) and were unlucky to lose the Strickland Cup 2–4 on penalties against Mtarfa.
A nightmarish end to 2010 was put to bed as 2011 kicked off with some good performances most notably a good 2–2 draw against Attard, wins against Qrendi and Mtarfa and a record 8–0 victory against Xghajra. A 1–0 win against Santa Lucija was enough to ensure Swieqi consolidated a mid-table position in the league standings.
Swieqi United ended the 2010–11 season in the 6th place (out of 11) with 25 points.
At the end of the season, Edward Vella was crowned 'Club Player of the year', with goaler Ryan Marmara 'Most improved player of the year, Captain John Debono won the 'Players Player of the Year' whilst Christopher Dalli won 'Most dedicated player of the season'
2011–2012
Swieqi United began the 2011–12 season with a new manager – Roland Sollars who joined the club from Sirens. Swieqi made some major changes to the team and brought in many young players many of which came on loan from Melita F.C. The team was knocked out by eventual Gozitan champions Xewkija Tigers in the first round of the FA Trophy losing 0–5.
The league campaign had started with a draw against Fgura United (2–2), before losing to Ghaxaq and Santa Lucija. Thereupon, Swieqi embarked on a positive run beating Xghajra and Mgarr. A slump in fortunes then followed, although Swieqi did register some positive results during the season such as a 3–1 victory against title challengers Ghaxaq, a 6–2 win vs Kalkara and a 0–0 draw against eventual section winners Pembroke Athleta. Swieqi finished the season in 9th place with 29 points.
Steven Diacono (on loan from Melita) won Swieqi United's 'Player of the Season Award'
2012–2013
Swieqi kicked off the season in great fashion defeating Mdina Knights 2–1 in the FA Trophy and racking up three wins out of four in the early stages of the League campaign. (Santa Lucija 2–0, Marsa 1–0 and Mtarfa 4–1). Everyone expected the club to push forward but some internal problems led to coach Sollars resigning on 1 December and the club never recovered from this blow, losing games by high scores and never recovering confidence.
Things only picked up when during the end of the season, coach Roberto Debrincat was re-appointed Head coach and results improved, at one point notching four wins out of seven games. (Wins vs Attard (2–0), Ghaxaq (2–0), Ta' Xbiex (1–0) and Kalkara (1–0). Nevertheless, despite coach Debrincat's timely intervention, Swieqi would end their most difficult and disappointing season in a lowly position thereby not accomplishing initial expectations.
2013–2014
Thankfully, the 2013–14 season would prove to be much more successful for the club! Not only did the team improve but the club managed to gain promotion to the second division for the very first time in its history. Welcoming on board Mario Mifsud as Club Technical Director and with Roberto Debrincat reconfirmed as Manager, the coaching staff undertook the difficult task of rebuilding an underachieving team.
With fresh players brought in, a renewed sense of optimism generated throughout the club given the sparkling new premises launched, Swieqi embarked on a determined assault to ensure promotion would be secured. The first three games of the season were won quite comfortably before the Orange stumbled to careless wins vs Marsaxlokk and Mgarr. Thereupon, the Orange went on a 5 match winning sequence beating: Santa Venera, Attard, Luqa, Mtarfa and Santa Lucija. Facing the top teams in the section, Swieqi then drew against Xghajra, beat Ghaxaq and drew again in the top of the table clash with Sirens.
The second round started very well and Swieqi kept marching on solidly and aggressively. 6 straight wins (Ta’ Xbiex, Kalkara, Qrendi, Marsaxlokk, Mgarr & Santa Venera) were followed by an unwelcome defeat v Attard (3–4), but two wins vs Luqa St. Andrew’s (2–0) and a win vs Mtarfa (1–0) ensured Swieqi were promoted to the Second Division for the first time in their history – certainly a remarkable feat given that the club was only founded a mere 5 years ago!
2014–2015
This season was also a landmark season for a number of reasons. Primarily, the Under 17s team competed in the league (Section D) and achieved a remarkable 4th place. Swieqi also introduced their women's team to the league championship and the ladies achieved some great results despite it also being their maiden year.
With regards to the Seniors team, several changes were made in the summer in order to make the team more competitive. Swieqi got off to a great start in Division 2 beating Mellieha 4–0 with newcomer Leontiev Konda grabbing a hat-trick. By Christmas, the Orange were in 4th place having just gone on a 4-game unbeaten run (including 3 wins and a draw). However, a post-new year slump followed with the Orange losing some crucial games but recovering quickly by beating Zejtun 1–0 (and achieving the double over them) and holding Zabbar to a 0–0 draw. The battle to avoid relegation culminated with a game against Dingli. Both clubs needed the win and Swieqi won when it mattered by 2 goals to 1 (with goals from Matthew Asciak and Omar Smeir). The Orange ended the season with 33 points – certainly an achievement for their first year in 2nd Division.
The form team of the season was however the Under 19 squad. Bolstered by a year's experience in Section E, the Orange were in no mood to be complacent throughout the campaign though they were mightily challenged by Xghajra throughout the season. With Neil Farrugia in stunning form, the Orange continued to rack up with after win and Promotion to Section D was finally sealed when Swieqi beat St. George's 4–0 at the Sirens ground. With the race to the title going right down to the wire, Swieqi had to beat Mtarfa at Rabat on the final day of the season to ensure the Championship. Swieqi prevailed in a tight encounter thanks to goals from Erik Gollcher and Daniel Bezzina. It was truly a fitting end to a team which had dominated the Division from start to finish!
2015-2016
The 2015-16 season would prove to be a very challenging and tough campaign for the Orange. Under the guidance of new Manager Billy Mock, Swieqi sought to revamp their youth policy and promote minors players for the first team. Nevertheless, with a reduced budget and entirely new coaching staff, Swieqi struggled for much of the Second Division campaign but did manage to survive when they decisively beat Kirkop United 2-0 in the penultimate game of the season. Throughout the year, 10 minors players managed to make their first team debut.
The Youth (Under-19) League campaign was very positive. The Minors managed to finish in 3rd place in their maiden season in Section D. Under the astute management of Rodney Bugeja and Gilbert Micallef, the squad managed to end the season on a high after a slow start. The Minors managed to wrap up some decisive wins most notably beating Gzira 4-0, Santa Venera 2-1 and Zurrieq 7-2. This was also the first year that the Under 17s debuted in Section B. Despite enduring a very difficult campaign (finishing bottom of their section), the Orange still performed bravely throughout all encounters and registered some positive results such as 2-2 draw v Kirkop and a 0-2 loss vs Valletta.
The Women's Team were also quite successful and went agonizingly close to winning promotion to the Women's Premier Division. Finishing second in 2nd Division after Gozo F.C., Swieqi's Women's team lost the play-off encounter vs Kirkop 0-1 at the Centenary Stadium. Despite the disappointment, the team could still take great pride in their achievements (having only been formed 2 years ago).
Finally, the Futsal team also did Swieqi proud ending up in the Maltese Futsal Elite Division!
Futsal
This season also witnessed the successful participation of Swieqi United Futsal who began life in the Malta Futsal Second Division. Led by Paul Hyzler and Simon Gingell Littlejohn, the Futsal squad produced some great performances and ended up as the club's most successful section. For the 2013–14 season, Swieqi United Futsal will be competing in the Maltese Premier Division.
Training facilities
Swieqi United recently inaugurated a new training facility in Pembroke (an 8 a side football pitch). The ground forms part of the Pembroke Saint Claire Primary School and will serve as the main hub of the club's operations. As from 2013–14, it will also serve as the Nursery and Minors base.
Minors and Youth Academy
Swieqi United FC has an Under 19 (Minors) Squad which participates in the MFA Youth League. The club has also established a Youth Academy which caters for the young footballers between the ages of 5 to 17. The Club's Under 17 Squad finished fourth in their maiden season in Section D and their second season bottom of Section B
Women's Team
During the 2014–15 season, Swieqi also launched its first ever Woman's Squad which takes part in the National League. They finished runners-up in the Second Division during the 2015-16 season.
Kit
Swieqi United's current home kit consists of an orange shirt, with black shorts and orange socks whilst the away strip consists of a grey top with black shorts and socks. The second kit's grey in colour. A third is also occasionally used and it consists of a blue top. Swieqi's kits are manufactured by Sportika SA.
Franchise Information
Since 2009, Swieqi United FC represents the municipality of Swieqi which incorporates the following areas: Swieqi proper, Ibrag and Madliena, together with High Ridge, Upper Gardens and Victoria Gardens. The total area population is about 9,000 people.
Honours
BOV 3rd Division Runners-up: 2013–14 (1)
Under 19s Section E Winners: 2014–15 (1)
Women's League Division 2 Runners-up: 2015-16 (1)
FMA Futsal Fair Play Award: 2014–15 (1)
BOV Women's Fair Play Award: 2014–15 (1)
Minor Honours:
Noel Muscat Cup Winners 2010 (1)
Strickland Cup Winners 2013, 2014 (2)
Board of Directors 2016/17
| Position | Name | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| President: | Dr. Justin Fenech | Maltese |
| Vice-President (Academy) | Dr. Michael Calleja | Maltese |
| Vice-President (Admin Matters) | Dr. Robert Dingli | Maltese |
| Secretary | Dr. Michael Calleja | Maltese |
| International Officer | Dr. Matthew Borg | Maltese |
| Events Manager | Adrian Chetcuti | Maltese |
| MFA Council Member | Mauro Miceli | Maltese |
| Media Manager | Jeffrick Cachia | Maltese |
| Women's Team Co-ordinator | Giulia Muscat | Maltese |
| Seniors/19s Manager | Matthew Muscat | Maltese |
| Events Manager | Timmy Gingell | Maltese |
| Academy Manager | Mark Zammit | Maltese |
| Public Relations Officer | Dylan Micallef | Maltese |
| Academy Administrator | Andrew Schembri | Maltese |
| Futsal Manager | Jacques Ellul Soler | Maltese |
| Financial officer | Mark Mifsud | Maltese |
| Media Manager | Roderick Borg | Maltese |
| Infrastructural Manager | Beppe Degiorgio | Maltese |
Squad 2016–2017
The current squad: Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Current management
| Position | Name | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Manager: | Billy Mock | Maltese |
| Under 19s Coach: | Rodney Bugeja | Maltese |
| Team Manager: | Michael Calleja | Maltese |
| Youth Academy Director: | Andrea Vella | Maltese |
| Under 17s Manager: | Paul Gatt | Maltese |
| Under 17s Coach: | Gilbert Micallef | Maltese |
| Pre-Foundation Coach: | Andrew Barthet | Maltese |
| Women's Team Coach: | Jochen Lenders | .svg.png){kind=small} Belgian |
| Women's Team Coach: | Max Bartolo | Maltese |
| Goalkeeper Coach: | Saviour Darmanin | Maltese |
| Goalkeeper Coach: | Sam Bartolo | Maltese |
| Futsal Manager: | Timmy Gingell | Maltese |
| Futsal Coach: | Laszlo Hajossy |  Maltese |
| Futsal Assistant Coach: | Kenneth Fiteni | Maltese |
| Club Doctor: | Julian Sammut Alessi | Maltese |
| Club Physio: | Noel Hili | Maltese |
| First Team Physician: | Josef Pace | Maltese |
External links
| National teams |
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