What started as a dream by two law students, Ralph Agius Fernandez and Michael Calleja, has now become a reality.

Swieqi finally has a football club and United held their first press conference on Monday at the Ibraġġ Parish Church.

Agius Fernandez, the club president, spoke about the enthusiasm of the Swieqi residents for the newly-formed team, adding that the club was giving an identity to a relatively modern area.

He also mentioned the many obstacles the committee is facing, particularly the shortage of training pitches since sports facilities in the Swieqi area are virtually non-existent.

The first committee of Swieqi United was formed on April 14, 2009 and an annual general meeting was held last month. The Swieqi United president also thanked the Local Council for the support offered in this new venture.

Calleja, the Swieqi secretary, commented on the lack of sponsorships for the club but praised Nationalist MP and former Sliema Wanderers president Roberto Arrigo for the financial assistance he is giving to Swieqi United.

Roberto Debrincat, Swieqi United's newly-appointed team manager, urged the players to give their all during pre-season.

Debrincat told Monday's news conference that he plans to arrange a series of friendlies for the team prior to their first match in the MFA Division Three competitions.

Trials for players who expressed an interest in joining Swieqi were held at the Infetti Ground, Birkirkara, and at the Attard FC ground. Around 36 players have been selected to start pre-season training with Swieqi United under the guidance of Debrincat.

The club's first official training session took place yesterday in Għaxaq.

More information about Swieqi United may be found on the club's website www.swieqiunited.com.