All is set for the start of the VisitMalta Women Club Trophy when the first two matches are played at the National Football Centre and Malta FA Training Grounds this Sunday (weather permitting).
Four top-tier teams from Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland are contesting the inaugural edition of this women’s football tournament with two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winners VfL Wolfsburg taking on Dutch side PSV Vrouwen in the opening match (14.00hrs) followed by the encounter between FC Basel, of Switzerland, and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, also from Germany (18.00hrs).
The four participating teams are currently conducting a training camp in Malta with German teams VfL Wolfsburg and TSG Hoffenheim the first to arrive on Thursday followed by PSV Vrouwen and FC Basel who touched down in Malta on Friday.
The tournament is being played at two venues, with three matches at the National Football Centre and the Malta FA Training Grounds, and the final match on Wednesday afternoon, between VfL Wolfsburg and FC Basel, at the Tony Bezzina Stadium (15.00hrs).
In Wednesday’s opening match (11.00hrs), PSV Vrouwen face TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the National Football Centre.
The team with the best total of points will be declared winners of the first edition of the VisitMalta Women Club Trophy. The tournament also enjoys the support of the Malta Football Association.
COACHES’ VIEWS
Stephan Lerch (VfL Wolfsburg)
VfL Wolfsburg are second in the Frauen-Bundesliga standings on 34 points, six behind Bayern Munich with 14 matches played. They will face Juventus in the Knock-Out play-offs for the 2025-26 UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Stephan Lerch, the VfL Wolfsburg women’s team head coach, said: “We are very pleased with the truly excellent conditions here in Malta. The training grounds are in top condition, the hotel is superb, and the weather in these days is clearly better than in Germany.
“For us, this winter training camp carries great significance, since in the first half of the season we could hardly train, content-wise, due to our participation in three competitions. Thus, it is even more important to lay the foundation for a successful second half of the season during these days. The tournament matches against PSV Eindhoven and FC Basel will also help us.”
Eva-Maria Virsinger (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim)
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim head into the second half of the Frauen-Bundesliga fourth in the table with 25 points. Earlier this week, the club appointed Eva-Maria Virsinger, formerly assistant coach at VfL Wolfsburg, as their new head coach.
Eva-Maria Virsinger said: “We are delighted to be able to prepare intensively for the second half of the season in warmer temperatures and a different environment in Malta. During this already short winter preparation period, it will be crucial to grow even closer together as a team and work on fine-tuning our game.
“It is also a great opportunity for me to get to know the team even better, both on and off the pitch. The two tournament matches are, of course, the highlights and important moments of the training camp, giving everyone playing time so that they can show what they can do.”
Roeland ten Berge (PSV Vrouwen)
PSV Vrouwen, who competed in the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup this season, are third in the Dutch Eredivisie on 22 points, three behind leaders Ajax.
Commenting on their training camp in Malta and upcoming tournament matches, PSV Vrouwen coach Roeland ten Berge said: “Malta provides a great environment to prepare for the second part of the season.
“Taking part in the tournament is a very valuable part of our training camp. It allows us to translate the work we do on the training pitch directly into match situations, while competing against international opponents. These kind of matches give us important insights into where we stand as a team at this stage of the season.”
Omar Adlani (FC Basel)
FC Basel 1893 ended their league commitments for 2025 in fifth place, level with FC Zurich on 22 points from 12 matches in the Swiss Women’s Super League.
Omar Adlani, the FC Basel women’s coach, said: “The training camp in Malta is a crucial step in our preparation for the second part of the season. It gives us the perfect environment to build rhythm, sharpen our physical condition, and continue developing our game in a focused and professional setting.
“The facilities provided are of the highest quality, which was a key factor for us in choosing this destination, as they allow us to train, recover, and prepare at the level required to be competitive.
“The quality of opponents we will face in the friendly matches is also extremely important, as these games give us the opportunity to test ourselves against strong, high-level teams and measure where we stand. Competing against such opponents will prepare us both physically and mentally for the important matches ahead. On top of that, Malta is a beautiful place, and having such a positive environment further supports team spirit, focus, and overall well-being as we get ready for a demanding and competitive second half of the season.”
MATCH SCHEDULE
Sunday 11 January, 2026
14.00hrs – VfL Wolfsburg vs PSV National Football Centre – Ta’ Qali (Pitch 1) 18.00hrs – FC Basel vs TSG Hoffenheim Malta FA Training Grounds – Ta’ Qali (Pitch 2)
Wednesday, 14 January, 2026
11.00hrs – PSV vs TSG Hoffenheim National Football Centre – Ta’ Qali (Pitch 1) 15.00hrs – VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Basel Tony Bezzina Stadium – Paola