Lija Athletic F.C.

Lija Athletic Football Club, commonly referred to as Lija Athletic, is a football team originating from the village of Lija, Malta. The present club was founded in 1949 and has competed in the Maltese Premier League five times. The 2024–25 Maltese Challenge League campaign, saw Lija Athletic getting relegated to the National Amateur League I on the final day of the season, missing out on safety by just one point in a heartbreaking finish. ^[1]

Lija Athletic F.C.

Full name	Lija Athletic Football Club
Nickname(s)	Tal-Larinġ, Tan-Nar
Founded	1949; 76 years ago (1949)
Ground	Lija Athletic Sports Complex
Capacity	500
Chairman	Colin Ciantar
Manager	Ivan Zammit
League	Maltese National Amateur League
2025–26	Maltese National Amateur League, TBD
Website	web.archive.org/web/20070626070057/http://www.lijaathletic.com/
Home colours Away colours

History

Although the first team in Lija is believed to have been formed in the 1930s, the first team to take part in the competitions organised by the Malta Football Association were Lija Amateurs. Lija Amateurs were founded in 1944 and in season 1944–45, they took part in the Second Division. The team was disbanded after three years.

In 1948–49, the present club, Lija Athletic were founded. The club joined the MFA and played in Division Three. The team was gaining momentum, until during a Third Division league match against Qormi Youngsters in March 1957, the referee abandoned the game due to fighting between the players. The MFA suspended the club from all football activities. However this decision was reviewed and the team was back in 1958.

The club tasted its first success when winning the Third Division Championship in 1962–63. The team was relegated in 1968–69 and it took Lija Athletic nine years to regain promotion to the Second Division, once again winning the Third Division title. The introduction of the Premier Division by the MFA in 1980 meant that all clubs were promoted by one division. Lija Athletic found themselves in the First Division. After a rather good performance during the first season in Division One, Lija were relegated in 1981–82.

The club won promotion to the First Division in 1987–88, but after one year they were back to Division Two. In 1990–91, Lija Athletic were relegated to the Third Division. After three years in Division Three, the Athletic won three consecutive promotions way up to the Premier League after winning the championships of Divisions Three and Two and placing second in Division One. In the Premier League for the first time ever, during the season of 1996–97, Lija Athletic had a very hard time with the big guns of local football, and were relegated after placing last.

Lija Athletic regained Premiership status after placing second in season 2001–02, and after a quick return to Division One, they managed to regain promotion thanks to the runner-up position obtained in season 2003–04. Once again the Premier Division challenge was too much, and with 3 wins, 2 draws and 19 lost games, Lija finished in last place. In 2005–06 Lija Athletic continued the habit of leaving their division after one year, but this time the destination was the Second Division, after finishing 9th with 18 points in 18 games. In 2006–07 the team obtained a position in mid-table, finishing 7th place. In spite of a poorer record, the team climbed to 6th place the following season. In 2008–09 Lija Athletic were able to challenge for promotion, although they had to settle for third place behind Melita FC and local rivals Balzan Youths, thereby just missing out.

The 2009–10 season saw Lija Athletic strengthening the squad with several experienced players and some talented youngsters. From the early stages it was obvious the team would again be challengers for promotion, and with 48 points Lija Athletic won the Second Division championship and secured promotion to the First Division.

In Season 2013–14, Lija Athletic reached a new milestone when qualifying for the FA Trophy Semi-finals for the first time in the club's history, following exceptional wins including one against Premier giants, Floriana F.C. Lija Athletic were eliminated from the competition with a narrow 0–1 loss to Qormi F.C. in the FA Trophy Semi-final.

Following seven (7) seasons in the First Division, Lija Athletic regained promotion to the top flight, the Premier League, for the fourth time in the club's history, this time winning the First Division League with a total of 54 points. This is the first time in the club's history that Lija Athletic won the First Division Championship, with a relatively young squad.

In 2019–20, Lija achieved promotion to the top tier of Maltese football for the fifth time in their history. However, as with previous seasons, their stay in the top tier was short-lived, and they were relegated after just one season. Despite the setback, this season stood out as the best performance in the club's history, securing 5 wins and a total of 20 points. Noteworthy victories over Floriana and a draw with eventual champions Ħamrun highlighted that particular campaign.

The year 2024 held special significance for Lija Athletic, marking its 75th anniversary since the club was established in 1949. The year kicked off on a positive note with a victory over Żejtun. Prolific striker Erjon Beu added to the celebration by scoring his 150th goal for the club. However, the remainder of the year was not one of triumph. Despite the celebrations, the club faced a challenging season, enduring a series of tough defeats that dampened the festive spirit. On the final matchday of the 2024/25 campaign, Lija suffered relegation to the National Amateur League 1, missing out on survival by just a single point. Yet, the anniversary remained a reminder of the club's rich history and the resilience of its people, determined to see their team rise again. ^[2]

Kits

Period	Kit supplier	Shirt sponsor (front)
2009-19	Adidas (EuroSport)	Falzon Group of Companies Ltd.
2019-20	Macron (TeamSport)	Falzon Group of Companies Ltd., Take A Break Travel, the Teambar
2020-21		Falzon Group of Companies Ltd., GCS Malta
2021-22		Falzon Group of Companies Ltd., GCS Malta, Gracy's Malta
2022-26		Falzon Group of Companies Ltd.

Players

Current squad (2024–2025)

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player 1 GK  MLT Jake Mallia 2 DF  MLT Clayton Giordimaina (Vice-Captain) 3 DF  MLT Julian Camilleri 4 DF  MLT Leon Muscat 5 DF  MLT Alessio Azzopardi 7 FW  MLT Erjon Beu (Vice-Captain) 8 MF  MLT Mead Mifsud 9 FW  TRI Rundell Winchester 10 DF  MLT Kenley Scerri 11 FW  BRA Ronald Melo Costa 12 GK  MLT Luke Bonnici (Captain) 15 MF  MLT Jake Jovanoski 16 MF  MLT Gareth Joyce 17 MF  MLT Gianluca Falzon

No. Pos. Nation Player 19 DF  MLT Luke Vella 20 DF  BRA Iury De Carvalho Lima 21 DF  MLT Matteo Fenech 24 FW  MLT Brave Azzopardi 25 FW  NGA Abdullateef Adepoju Oyeyemi 31 FW  JAM Degran (Kemmu) Jackson 33 MF  MLT Bradley Sciberras 44 MF  MLT Courage Omoruanzoje 66 MF  MLT Omar Khatib 83 DF  MLT Sheldon Briffa 88 FW  MLT Darion Xuereb Pavia 97 GK  MLT Josmar Gauci Felice 98 FW  MLT Luca Mallia 99 DF  MLT Amir Amhamed

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player 18 DF  MLT Adam Camilleri (at San Gwann) 77 MF  MLT Aiden Mallia (at San Gwann) 77 MF  MLT Kieran Curmi (at Żejtun) 27 MF  VEN Aron Hernandez Leal (at Naxxar)

Retired numbers

No.	Player	Nationality	Position	Debut	Last match
6	Daniel Scerri	Malta	Midfielder	14 September 2003 vs Marsa	23 April 2023 vs Fgura

Staff & Administration

Technical team (2025–2026) Position Name Head Coach Ivan Zammit Assistant Coach Micheal Mangion Goalkeepers Coach Simon Grech Team Manager Daniel Scerri U/19 Coach Ivan Falzon U/19 Team Manager Marvin Abela Team Doctor Dr. David Tanti Physiotherapist Jean-Carl Azzopardi Kit Manager Larken Micallef

Administration (2025–2026) Position Name President Colin Ciantar Sen. Vice President Emanuel Bezzina Vice President Robert Magro Hon. Secretary Samuel Cutajar Asst. Secretary Carmel Bonnici Treasurer Benjamin Muscat Administrator Samuel Cutajar Club Delegate Samuel Cutajar Legal Advisor Dr. Peter Fenech Social Media/PRO Nicholas Saliba Samuel Cutajar Community Officer Gilbert Amato Gauci Spiritual Director Rev. Can. Fr. Joseph Cilia Committee Members Steve Spiteri Fiteni Malcolm Seychell Larken Micallef Louis Fenech Sunny Scerri Malcolm Fenech

Managerial History (2000 - present)

Dates	Name
2002 - 2004	Patrick Curmi
2004 - 2005	Ilir Pelinku
2005 - 2007	Jimmy Briffa
2007 - 2008	Anthony Grech
2008 - 2009	Ilir Pelinku
2009 - 2011	Marco Gerada
2011 - 2014	Brian Spiteri
2014 - 2015	Joseph Brincat
2015 - 2016	Brian Spiteri
2016 – 2025	Joseph Galea
2025 -	Ivan Zammit

Records

Club Top Appearances

As of 21 April 2025

Erjon Beu is Lija's all-time top scorer with 160 goals to his name

Player	Apps
Daniel Scerri	408
Luke Bonnici	365
John Cuschieri	305
Erjon Beu	259
Beppe Antignolo	245
Clayton Giordimaina	218
Joe Cardona	217
Raymond Borg	207
Leon Muscat	202
Glenn Barry	195

Club Top Scorers

As of 21 April 2025

Player	Goals	Apps
Erjon Beu	160	259
Glenn Barry	65	195
Ridha Dardouri	50	73
Ige Abdullahi Adeshina	50	147
Beppe Antignolo	49	245

Honours

League

• First Division
  • Winners (1): 2016–17
• Second Division
  • Winners (1): 2009–10
• Third Division (3rd Level)
  • Winners (2): 1962–63, 1977–78
• Third Division (4th Level)
  • Winners (1): 1993–94
• Women's League
  • Winners (1): 1996-97

Cup

• Second/Third Division Knock Out Cup
  • Winners (1): 1994–95
• Third Division Sons of Malta Cup
  • Winners (1): 1978–79

Youth Academy

The Lija Iklin Youth Academy alongside the Iklin Local Council and the 'Skema Żgħażagħ Iklin', was founded back in 2002 by then president Mr Charles J.Scerri.

During the years the academy has been recognized as one of central Malta's leading football academy's with over 250 players registered. The academy includes teams in each age category, catering for boys and girls.

Crest of Lija Iklin Football Academy

Committee (2025-26)
Position	Name
Chairman	Dr. Dorian Sciberras
Secretary	Benjamin Muscat
Treasurer	Allen Debono
Members	Malcolm Fenech Mario Fenech

As of 24 April 2025

Season 2024–25
Category	Section	Pos	P	W	D	L	PTS
Under 15	B (Play-Out)	2nd	18	7	5	6	26
Under 17	C (Top 6)	3rd	14	9	0	5	27

Women's Teams

Lija Athletic Women's Team proudly participated in the very first women's football league organized in Malta during the 1995/96 season, making their mark by winning the league the following year in 1996/97. Over the years, the team took part in several seasons, but it was from the 2021/22 season onwards that Lija Women's returned as a consistent presence in the local football scene. Since then, steady improvement has been evident across all levels. Today, Lija Athletic actively competes in all women's football categories in Malta, including the Under-16, Youth, and Senior leagues. ^[3][4]

As of 24 April 2025

Season 2024–25
Category	Section	Pos	P	W	D	L	PTS
Seniors	Bottom 4	2nd	23	8	1	14	25
Youths	Bottom 3	1st	16	7	1	8	22
Under 16	Top 4	4th	16	4	1	11	13

Competitions history

2000–present

Season	League	Top Scorer	Knockout/Cup	Youths U/19
Div.	Pos.	Pl.	W	D	L	GS	GA	P	Name	Goals	Div.	Pos.	Cup
2000–2001	2nd	2nd	18	10	4	4	36	20	34	Alan Tabone	9	First Round	Section B	9th	First Round
2001–2002	1st	10th	24	4	3	17	21	70	11	Ilir Pelinku	6	Second Round	Section B	7th	Quarter-Finals
2002–2003	2nd	5th	18	6	6	6	21	24	24	Glenn Barry	10	First round	Section B	4th	Winners
2003–2004	2nd	2nd	18	9	5	4	31	24	32	Glenn Barry	7	Second round	Section B	9th	Preliminary Round
2004–2005	1st	10th	24	3	2	19	13	60	11	Glenn Barry	5	First round	Section C	2nd	Preliminary Round
2005–2006	2nd	9th	18	5	3	10	20	33	18	Michael Gatt	5	First round	Section B	6th	Second round
2006–2007	3rd	7th	22	8	6	8	27	25	30	Anthony Gera	8	Quarter-Finals	Section B	2nd	Winners
2007–2008	3rd	6th	22	8	4	10	25	29	28	Beppe Antignolo	6	First Round	Section A	8th	Preliminary Round
2008–2009	3rd	3rd	22	15	3	4	35	17	48	Chris Pace	8	First Round	Section A	10th	Quarter Finals
2009–2010	3rd	1st	22	14	6	2	48	22	48	Antoine Sacco	10	Quarter-Finals	Section B	10th	Preliminary Round
2010–2011	2nd	5th	18	7	3	8	24	25	24	Admir Džanović	7	First Round	Section C	8th	Preliminary Round
2011–2012	2nd	7th	22	8	5	9	26	25	29	Gilbert Camilleri	6	Fourth Round	Section C	8th	First Round
2012–2013	2nd	4th	22	13	3	6	42	30	42	Erjon Beu	12	Semi-Finals	Section C	9th	First Round
2013–2014	2nd	7th	24	9	6	9	44	44	33	Kiril Aleksandrov	15	Third Round	Section C	10th	Third Round
2014–2015	2nd	9th	26	12	2	12	45	43	38	Ige Abdullahi Adeshina	10	Third Round	Section D	1st	Second Round
2015–2016	2nd	5th	26	12	5	9	40	27	41	Erjon Beu	9	Fourth Round	Section C	2nd	Third Round
2016–2017	2nd	1st	26	16	6	4	63	34	54	Erjon Beu	24	Fourth Round	Section B	2nd	Third Round
2017–2018	1st	14th	26	1	3	22	23	84	6	Erjon Beu	11	Quarter-Finals	Section A	8th	Second Round
2018–2019	2nd	7th	26	9	8	9	49	50	35	Erjon Beu	20	Fourth Round	Section A	10th	Second Round
2019–2020	2nd	2nd	19	11	3	5	47	31	36	Erjon Beu	25	Third Round	Section B	2nd	Second Round
2020–2021	1st	15th	23	5	5	13	25	46	20	Erjon Beu	9	Round of 32	Section A*	12th	N/A
2021–2022	2nd	7th	20	8	4	8	39	37	28	Lydon Micallef	18	Preliminary Round	Section A	12th	N/A
2022–2023	2nd	10th	28	11	6	11	51	54	39	Duvan Mosqueira Torres	16	Preliminary Round	Section B	7th	N/A
2023–2024	2nd	9th	24	9	5	10	31	44	32	Erjon Beu	10	Round of 32	Section B	7th	N/A
2024–2025	2nd	15th	22	5	4	13	25	38	19	Erjon Beu	8	Round of 32	Section B	7th	N/A
2025–2026	3rd	N/A	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	TBD	0	TBD	Section B	N/A	N/A

*Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic no relegations/promotions were done for the 2020/21 BOV Youth League Section A