Meet Our Role Models for Gender Equality!
Sport has the power to inspire and drive change, and football strives to be at the forefront to guide new generations toward gender equality.
From the pitches of Latvia to Malta, Ukraine to Estonia, our role models stand together to prove that TALENT KNOWS NO GENDER.
ROLE MODELS FOR LFF
Elīza Spruntule
She is passionate about achieving gender equality in sports. She works at the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) and RFS Women, dedicating her time to developing women’s football. Her experience working in Iceland has provided her with valuable insights into different approaches to gender equality in sports. Throughout her career, she has encountered situations where she felt men and women did not have equal opportunities, which has only strengthened her determination to create change. As a participant in Project Target: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls, she is committed to making a lasting impact. Elīza believes that every girl should have the chance to pursue her dreams in football, just as boys do. Through her work, she hopes to inspire and empower young female athletes to break barriers and reach their full potential.
Miks Vilkaplaters
He is a board member of FS Metta and a member of the Latvian Football Federation’s Women’s Football Committee, where he is deeply committed to supporting and developing women’s football. In addition, he serves as a board member of the Accredited Sports Schools Association, where he leads efforts to advocate for legal changes ensuring public funding and access for all children, regardless of whether they train in municipal or private sports schools. Ensuring equality is a personal mission for him, as he believes that equality in football education is essential for building a stronger and more sustainable football community, where talent is nurtured regardless of gender. Miks believes that ensuring equal access to quality infrastructure, methodology, coaching, and resources is not just about fairness—it is about improving the overall quality and accessibility of football for everyone. He believes football should set an example of equal opportunities for all children, creating an inclusive environment where every player has the chance to thrive.
ROLE MODELS FOR MFA
Raymond “Żażu” Farrugia
He is a former Maltese footballer and coach, known for being the first Maltese player to compete in the Australian League with Melita Eagles. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, leading the Malta National Team from 2018 to 2019. Currently, he manages Al Ula, a team in the Saudi Arabian Women’s Premier League.
Maria Azzopardi
She is a former Maltese footballer and sports lawyer who played for Rabat Ajax FC, Melita FC, and Hibernians FC, earning 33 caps for the Malta Women’s National Team (2005–2017) and winning the Malta FA player of the year award in 2003/04. In March 2024, she became the first female vice president of the Malta FA and now serves as its General Secretary. She holds a Doctorate in law and a Master’s in sports law from de Montfort Leicester University.
Manuela Tesse
She is a former Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for Italy Women’s National Team, competing in UEFA Women’s Euro 1997, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and UEFA Women’s Euro 2001. She is currently the head coach of the Malta Women’s National Team, making history by leading the team to their first-ever promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League.
Brenda Borg
She is a Maltese footballer who plays as a midfielder for Mgarr United in the Maltese Women’s First Division. She has been a key player for the Malta Women’s National Team since 2013, representing her country at the senior level in various international competitions.
Maya Lucia
She is a Maltese footballer who plays as a midfielder for Croatian first division club ŽNK Split. Maya has gone up the national team ranks, captaining both the U17 and U19 levels. Maya made her senior team starting debut against Portugal, and now is a regular player of the Malta Women’s National Team.
umayma Jelili
She is a Tunisian footballer who plays for Mtarfa FC in the Maltese Women’s First Division and also competes in the Women’s Futsal League with Parr Mela Futsal. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the Higher Institute of Technology Studies in Tunisia, a Master’s in Marketing from ESC Tunisia, and a Master’s in Business Administration from the London School of Commerce in Malta. Balancing sports and academia, she demonstrates dedication both on and off the field.
ROLE MODELS FOR EJL
Kelly Rosen
Kelly Rosen is a national team football player and a key member of FC Flora, competing in the highest league in Estonia. With a strong presence on the field, Kelly has represented Estonia at the international level, demonstrating skill, dedication, and leadership.
Beyond playing, Kelly is also a football coach, committed to developing the next generation of athletes. With a deep understanding of the game and a passion for mentoring, Kelly continues to contribute to the sport both as a player and a coach
ROLE MODELS FOR UAF
Daria Apanashchenko
She is Ukrainian elite footballer who plays as a forward. She is the captain of the Women’s national team of Ukraine and the all-time record holder in terms of the number of matches played and goals scored. She is the first person in the history of Ukraine to play over 150 matches for the A national team of our country – both among female and male players. Currently she is also a member of the Women’s and Girls’ Football Committee at the Ukrainian Association of Football and holds the coaching license. By her professional player’s career and other capabilities Daryna’s role in the development of women’s football, creating a solid foundation for the new generation in Ukraine is eminent.
Anatoliy Trubin
He is Ukrainian elite football player, goalkeeper of the A men’s national team of Ukraine and Benfica FC (Portugal). Anatoliy is the youngest goalkeeper in the history of the A men’s national team of Ukraine to play in official matches. Thanks to his professionalism, perseverance and consistancy, he gained love and respect not only among Ukrainians, but is also welcomed by the football fans around the world. Also Anatoliy always demostrates strong and definite position is important social matters, being really good influencer amongst the young generation of Ukrainian top professional footballers.
TARGET: YouTh footbAll players as ambassadoRs for GEnder equaliTy 