SportMalta, through its programme #OnTheMove (formerly known as Skolasport), has been training young participants in football since its inception in 1987. Although football sessions at the time were male-dominated, there were always young female participants. Today over 150 young female football players and 200 male players follow SportMalta's #OnTheMove - winter programme, across Malta and Gozo, sponsored by Kellogg's. They are mostly coached by former Skolasport participants, such as Alishia Sultana.

Alishia, a women's national football team right midfielder and SportMalta coach, had learnt the basic football skills and developed a love for "the most beautiful game" from her first experience at #OnTheMove.  At the age of 11, she started classes out of curiosity but she instantly dreamt of making football her passion in life.

Right midfielder Alishia Sultana (centre) playing against Estonia and winning 4 - 1 in February at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali

"I fell in love with the sport and have been practicing football ever since. After gaining training experience with #OnTheMove, I joined the newly formed Kirkop United FC. After three years, I moved to Birkirkara FC, a remarkable club that is well-known in women's football," said Alishia.

A right midfielder for both Birkirkara FC squad and the women's national football team, Alishia represented Malta in more than 25 international matches, namely in Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Greece, Bosnia, Serbia (twice), Estonia, Albania and Cyprus (twice).

"Over the past six years, I played with Birkirkara FC in more than 120 matches, winning seven major trophies. With the same club, I have also competed in the Women's Champions League preliminary rounds on many occasions, such as in Holland (2013)  and Slovenia (2017)."

Right midfielder Alishia Sultana (left) during the match against Andorra in an international friendly match at the Centenary Stadium in Ta' Qali 

Like many other players, football was part of Alishia's family life. She followed in her father's footsteps and developed a similar love towards the sport as he did. "I was lucky enough to have a father who used to play football regularly when he was younger. He inspired me to go beyond my perceived limits and acquiring the necessary competitive skills to sharpen and polish up the level of the game I play today."

When asked about the secret of her success, she replied: "I am chasing my dream. I never give up and always keep in my mind that nothing is impossible. The drive towards both my personal and team goals are a priority for me as they form an integral part of lifestyle. This keeps me motivated, wanting to improve constantly, achieving both a high level of football in my game as well as success."

Birkirkara FC right midfielder Alishia Sultana (centre) playing against Glasgow FC during the Champions League play-offs in 2013, Holland 

Alishia is currently focusing on this year's goal that is to win all domestic trophies with Birkirkara FC. While football is unpredictable, her main long-term goal is to improve physically and upgrade her level of football even further.

She urges young participants to persevere in their talent, and remarked: "Hard work pays off. Always keep working hard in any sport you do. Any sport is vital in the learning stages of one's life as it helps the individual to overcome any obstacle in life."

"#OnTheMove programme is important in our society. The programme offers a vast range of opportunities to children from a young age and helps them to follow physical training in their favourite sport. We must focus on making sure that more and more individuals are assessed during their training, so that they may eventually succeed as athletes and ultimately use the vital tools and skills on a more long-term basis," added Alishia.

Domestic League Championship 2016-2017 - Alishia Sultana (first right)

#On the Move - winter programme is organised by SportMalta and sponsored by Kellogg's the world's leading producer of breakfast cereal. For more than a century Kellogg's has been focusing on enriching and delighting the world through foods and brands that matter. The company has been extending its support to Skolasport since 1999 and actively promotes a variety of educational sports disciplines within Sport Malta's winter programme.

Further information about #OnTheMove winter programme can be obtained from SportMalta Head Office on 2203 6000; e-mail: [email protected] or www.sportmalta.org.mt