Malta is a small island, but football has become a popular sport over the last two centuries. Here are a few of the oldest football clubs in Malta.
The History of Football in Malta: The Oldest Football Clubs in the Country
Malta is a small island nation that is south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, and it has a long and rich history of football. The country is home to some of the oldest clubs in the world, and these clubs have, undoubtedly, played an essential role in the development of sport on the island.
Of course, Malta is a small nation, making it difficult for them to compete seriously on the national stage. However, that doesn’t change the incredible history of the nation and its deep roots.
How Did Football Start in Malta?
Football or soccer has a long history in Malta, and the sport is believed to have been introduced to the island nation by British soldiers in the late 19th century. The first recorded match in Malta took place on December 13 1894, between two different teams of British soldiers. The match was played at the Mdina Barracks and eventually ended in a 1-1 draw.
After that, the rest was history. Football quickly grew in popularity, with the sport being played all over the country. It was played recreationally, in schools and all over the place until the first football clubs were established and popularised. Malta has produced several successful players that have taken the sport by storm.
St. George’s Football Club
St. George’s, who hail from Cospicua, were founded in 1890 when three Cospicua clubs, Santa Margherita, St. Andrews and St. George’s merged together. They are considered by many as ‘The Pioneers’ of Maltese football. They won their only championship in 1916/17 and the FA Trophy twice.
Floriana Football Club
Another one of the oldest football clubs in Malta is the Floriana Football Club, which was founded in 1894 by a group of British soldiers stationed on the island. The club is named after the Maltese town of Floriana, which is located just outside of the capital city of Valletta. The Floriana Football Club has a long and storied history, winning the championship 26 times, the FA Trophy 21 times and the Super Cup twice, apart from other cup competitions, over the years.
Hamrun Spartans Football Club
Hamrun Spartans Football Club was founded in 1907 by a group of British expatriates living on the island. The club is named after the town of Hamrun, which is located just outside of Valetta.
Like Australian Open bet enthusiasts, the Hamrun Spartans have a strong following in Malta. They have won 8 championships, 6 FA Trophies and 5 Super Cups throughout their history.
Sliema Wanderers Football Club
Sliema Wanderers Football Club was founded in 1909 by a group of British expatriates who were living on the island at the time.
The club is named after the town of Sliema, which is located on the eastern coast of Malta. Over the years, Sliema Wanderers have become one of the most successful football clubs in Malta, winning the championship 26 times, the FA Trophy 21 times and the Super Cup three times, apart from other cup competitions.
Final Thoughts on the Oldest Clubs in Malta
Malta is home to some of the oldest football clubs in the world, and these clubs have been integral role in the development of the sport on the island. St. George’s, Floriana, Sliema Wanderers and Hamrun Spartans are all well-respected and successful football clubs that have contributed to the rich history of football in Malta.