Matthew Guillaumier – a national team player with the born 1997 and captain of the 1998 team – joined Italian side Empoli.

Massimiliano Cappellini, head of the Settore Giovanile at Empoli FC, made it possible for Guillaumier, better known as Gulli, to fulfill his dream as he will now form part of the Empoli FC squad.

Guillaumier has been playing with Luxol youth academy since he was five years of age, and in fact his first Best Player Award was given to him at the tender age of 6. This was one of the many awards awarded yearly by the Luxol Coaches.

Luxol also believed in Guillaumier’s potential to the extent that, aged only 15 years and 17 days, he made his First Division debut against Gudja last April, playing in the same team as his uncle, Joseph Farrugia.

His international level playing skills paid off in the last overseas international match against Wales, when as part of the 1997 squad. he scored Malta’s first goal in the away game. Malta went on to beat Wales 3-2.

The Serie B club, Empoli FC, which needs no introduction, hosts one of the best youth academies in Italy, boasting five in-house football training pitches, gym and a professional selection of international football coaches each of whom train the four hundred enthusiastic young players from the Tuscany region.

Guillaumier’s past and regular training experiences with Empoli FC over the last year, have brought him closer to the Empoli FC youth squad. He has also been on trials with Birmingham FC and West Bromwich Albion. Chievo FC and Siena FC also showed great interest in wanting him to form part of their squad, however he has chosen Empoli FC to be his new home.

All of this could not have been possible without his dedication, hard work, knowledge and passion for the game. Guillaumier will forever be thankful to Luxol youth academy wherein he was trained by the most passionate and dedicated coaches. Special thanks goes to Paul Falzon who always supported his talent. Thanks also goes to the coaches and staff of the National Team, particularly Sergio Soldano who always believed in Guillaumier. He is indebted to his family, team mates, friends and coaches who have provided him with the support needed in making his dream a reality and for always believing in his potential.