Interview with Mr. Shawn Meilak

by Ayrton Galea - 19th June 2016

”I was impressed with the level of commitment from the staff involved. There's high commitment towards the Women's team, willingness to provide whatever is necessary and players ready for a new challenge.” These are the first impressions of the newly appointed Women's Team Coach Shawn Meilak, a few days after joining our Club.

Who is Shawn Meilak?

I am 35 years old, and I love meeting new people, and believe that life is a learning curve.

What are your main hobbies besides football?

All sports interest me, especially tennis (which I used to find time to practice a bit as a hobby in the past). Nowadays my daughter's hobbies will be my hobbies as I strive to find time to spend with her.

Mention three things you cannot live without.

Love of family and friends, good food and ‘sadly' my mobile phone.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

More than one. However if I had to choose it would be ‘Believe and you will achieve'.

What motivates you the most in life?

Any challenge that comes about.

Who is your favourite coach? Why?

No particular name here. Every coach has his positives and we are always ready to learn from each other.

How did your coaching career start?

Being a physiotherapist by profession and continuing my studies with MFA diploma as Physical Trainer always pushed me to be involved from the technical/therapeutic point of view with clubs both in Gozo and also in Malta. The mentality of certain clubs is not open enough to engage a physical trainer and a coach in the same time. This encouraged me to start coaching training as well.

How do you describe your first coaching experience with Pembroke Athleta?

Honestly? Could not have been better, despite having my team relegated at the end of the season. But the respect I got in return will surely help me keep these players close to my heart.

Besides being a qualified coach, you're also a qualified physical trainer and a physiotherapist. Does this work in your favour as a coach?

Some coaches (at least here in Malta) still believe being a coach means he can be a physical trainer etc. I worked it the other way round. Football is a contact sports and having a sports injury prevention perspective plus a good physical preparation helps your player produce more on the pitch.

What is your opinion of the progress in Women's football in Malta?

I am still quite new to this area, however there are a good number of dedicated people around who are striving to push it even higher and that is very encouraging.

Mention one area that you wish to see improve in Women's football.

Awareness still needs to improve, which should bring more attendance to women's games.

Why did you join Birkirkara FC? How did this happen?

Birkirkara with its pride as a club has hunger for trophies and this is surely a top challenge, and I am ready for this new challenge.

What are your impressions of our Club so far?

High commitment towards the Women's team, willingness to provide whatever is necessary and players ready for a new challenge.

What are your comments on the team's set-up?

Birkirkara is a well-established club with past success both in male leagues and in female leagues. I was impressed with the level of commitment from the staff involved.

What are your targets with our Club?

First of all getting my players' respect together with mutual commitment. Football which is enjoyable and nice to watch for our supporters, whilst learning together with my players and finally bringing some silverware back to Birkirkara.

Do you have a message for the supporters?

These players will give all their best in the days and weeks prior to the actual matches so the least you can do is show them encouragement and support them whenever you can.

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