Malta U-19’s Alexandra Gatt named Barking Abbey College’s Student Athlete of the Year

Maltese defender Alexandra Gatt has capped a remarkable season for her after being named Student Athlete of the Year for her college, Barking Abbey.

Gatt was handed this award during a presentation ceremony earlier this month, as she has now ended her two-year spell at this college. She was chosen by her coaches, teacher and team-mates.

This individual accolade is a prestigious one as it recognises the student who has achieved strong results at academic level while progressing in their chosen sport.

“As a student-athlete I have always felt supported, firstly in Malta as a student of the National Sports School and also with the Academy at the Malta Football Association,” Gatt told the Times of Malta.

“The decision to follow my dream of developing as a footballer abroad was a difficult step, but with the support of the Maltese Government through the Malta Sports Scholarship Scheme, I was able to settle and spend two years in England.

“I am really grateful for this experience and the opportunity that the scholarship has provided me. I am determined to continue developing as a player in the best environment possible.”

The former Mġarr United player had left an immediate impact at Barking Abbey’s team, being handed also the captain’s armband.

She guided her side to a successful 2021-22 season, finishing runners-up in the league just because of goal difference while reaching the National Youth Cup final which she contended against fellow Maltese player Emma Ciantar Piccinino of Sunderland Foundation of Light.

“At Barking Abbey, I always felt challenged and it has been the ideal experience for me to grow as an athlete, while also pursuing my academic studies with positive results,” Gatt underlined.

Gatt was also a pivotal player for the Malta U-19’s selection as they clinched a historic promotion tow League A of the European qualifiers after picking up seven points against Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Faroe Islands.