Samantha Sacramento, the Minister for Equality, was recently invited to visit the Girls Fun Football Development Programme during one of its weekly training sessions.

Run by a team of volunteers headed by Tracey Baglietto, an Executive Council Member of the Gibraltar Football Association, the pioneering Girls Fun Football Development Programme aims to encourage girls’ participation in football from an early age with the message that football is as much a sport for girls as it is for boys. 70 girls currently take part in the programme.

Minister Sacramento encouraged the girls, aged between five and 12, as they went through their skills training and team-building exercises, before enjoying a just-for-fun practice match at the end of the session. In her conversations with the girls, Minister Sacramento emphasised the importance of having fun and taking part in the sport.

Minister Sacramento said: ‘I am proud to support the participation of girls in what is traditionally considered a male sport. It is essential that girls are empowered to achieve their potential and pursue their own interests, whatever they may be. The success of this initiative needs to be accredited to Tracey and her team who are excellent role models and are wholeheartedly dedicated to the development of this."

Tracey Baglietto expressed that she was pleased at the interest that Minister Sacramento had shown in women's football since the start, "I would like to thank the Minister for her support and for working with us on various initiatives."

The Girls Fun Football Programme is held every Friday between 5:00and 6:00pm at the Westside School Open Door Pitch. All girls aged between five and twelve are welcome to attend.