Interview with Tracy Camilleri

by Ayrton Galea - 4th March 2012

For this week's interview, we decided to talk with a person related to the Women's Team, the team's secretary, Ms. Tracy Camilleri. With Tracy, we talked about her personal life, the Women's Team and other interesting topics.

Who is Tracy Camilleri?

My name is Tracy Camilleri. I‘m 37 years young (haha) and I live in Balzan. I work at Bonnici Textiles in Birkirkara as a shop attendant. I am an outgoing friendly person. My best asset is that everyone knows where they stand with me and my worst is I tend to be a bit harsh on words sometimes.

What is your relationship status?

I'm a married woman with a 21 year old daughter.

How do you spend your regular day?

My regular day is spent rushing around from work to house-work and training. Although attending training sessions is not a must, I enjoy watching the girls train. It is my relaxation time.

How do you spend your weekends?

Weekends for me start on Fridays (my day off) and end on Saturdays, since on Sundays I help my husband with his work at the Marsaxlokk market. Friday morning we go out with friends for lunch, usually somewhere by the sea. Saturdays I work half day so we can go out in the evening.

What are your main hobbies besides football?

Between football and work I don t really have time for other hobbies. Any time left for myself I go for coffee and a chat with my friends or sisters.

When and why did you get involved in women's football?

My daughter joined Birkirkara women team at the age of 11. At that time one of the committee members was an old friend and he asked if I would like to help with the girls. I always loved sports especially football, so I started helping. At first it was a lot less work then it is now.

What is your role with the women's team?

My role with the women's team is the team's secretary but it is not just paperwork. I do whatever is needed.

What motivates you to keep working for the team?

When you love something motivation comes naturally.

What are the satisfactions of this job?

The girls keep your satisfaction level high, and they keep you young in every aspect. Obviously winning games is the most satisfying part of all.

How is your relationship with the other Technical Team members?

In all we are four members in the technical team, besides the coach. Tommy Camilleri, my husband, is the club official, Ray Parnis and his wife Doreen are kit managers, but as I said earlier we do all jobs that are needed. The fact that we're only four, helps us get along very well.

When there is an argument or a misunderstanding with each other or with a player, how do you tackle the problem?

Most of the time we agree on what needs to be done. However if there is an argument we always listen to each other's opinion and finally we decide together. With players it's a different situation. Every player is totally different in character; some of them are really sensitive. Women are harder to handle but being a women myself, it makes it easier to understand them. Thus I usually end up as a mediator between the committee and the players.

Do you find enough help and support?

Help is always needed, but thankfully we have a few great friends that help in any way they can. Support and backing is a must. This year we found a lot of support from various sectors, like the Birkirkara FC administrators, Birkirkara nursery, coverage on the Club's website and Birkirkara supporters sub-committee. Thanks to all.

What do you wish can change in the team, Club and the local scene?

I think that, in the team there's not really anything to change. We have a good squad that we worked hard to unite and we are getting the best results for that. I believe that, representing Birkirkara FC is an honour and all the players are happy and determined to play for this club. Regarding the local scene, one thing which I would add is the promotion of girls and young women in football. This will help to improve women's football in Malta.

In your opinion, what the squad is doing better than the previous year? Is it just performances in matches only or there are other factors which led to this improvement?

There are other factors. We have 5 players less this year from last year, 3 of which played regular in the first 11. Last year, the coach was Georgie Draganov for half the season. I think that this year the squad is more united then the previous year. Since having Johann Scicluna rejoining our team, as coach, we improved in every aspect, although last year we also won the knock-out.

Can you tell us which in your opinion the best match was so far?

Birkirkara vs. Mosta the 1st round match was one of the best games, we won 1-0. On the other hand, Birkirkara vs. Gozo was a really heart throbbing match. We were losing 1-0 then we scored 1-1 by the half time. We scored again for 2-1 but Gozo equalised 2-2, and in the 89 and 90 min we scored twice for a final score of 4-2. In that match you could see the determination and willpower of our players to win.

What are your comments about the previous match against Mosta?

It was a good game. We wanted a win to make sure that we won the league, but a draw was in our favour. The players were well prepared for the game.

How are you preparing for the next decisive match against Pembroke?

That is something the Coach is handling. I believe in his ability to lead the team to a win. He is a very good, dedicated and determined coach. I trust him 100%.

In the last match, one could say that there were a good amount of Birkirkara supporters. How important are the supporters and do you have a message for them?

It was really nice seeing most of the venue filled with Birkirkara supporters. We don't usually get a lot of support during our matches. Maybe this is because we play on Tuesdays. The players appreciated and loved the atmosphere of the supporters. They're not used to all those supporters so they were all delighted.

I would like to thank you all for coming to support us. The game was an important one for the players and us, and having you there seemed more important. I hope that you enjoyed watching the girls play and that you'll be willing to come and support us for the last two games. Thanks again.

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