Prime Minister proud of women's national football team

By qualifying for the next phase of the FIFA's Women World Cup, the women's national football team has made Malta proud, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said.

Meeting the footballers on Monday evening, Muscat said the team made history after finishing on top from the group they were competing in, paving the way for the next phase of the 2015 Women's World Cup.

Accompanied by his wife Michelle and twin daughters Soleil and Etoile, Muscat said Malta was proud with the team's achievement in a sport that is traditionally male-associated.

His daughters, one of whom also trains football with a nursery, were presented with national team shirts carrying their names.

Club officials, players and team coaches spoke about the team's commitment in placing Malta's name at the top of the charts despite being a relatively new team.

At national level, female football has only been played for the last 10 years.

On his part, Muscat assured the team that the government will be closely following the team and is committed to give all the support to help players become professional.

Present for the meeting were social dialogue minister Helena Dalli and parliamentary secretary for sports Stefan Buontempo.