In the name of the International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF) and all volunteers involved, I am very pleased to announce that our Status within GAISF (Global Association of International Sport Federations) will be extended for another two years. GAISF renewed its confidence in our sport and in ITSF by renewing the Observer status until 2021.
After making a great work in developing Table Soccer in different countries during the past years, we have to continue to drive towards the recognition of our sport by improving international collaboration.
This two-year period will be dedicated to the implementation of ITSF Development Project which includes meeting the main GAISF requirement to become a full member in the near future: having 40 Members Federations officially recognised by National Olympic Committee or National Sport Authorities.
Many federations are close to reach this goal and I am convinced that next months will be important for the future of our sport. Next steps will be focused on improving the level of our professionalism with our very new and powerful web-platform, as well as with federation training programs. We will also place emphasis on African development and on school accessibility in cooperation with companies. In doing so, we will keep in mind the popular and inclusive values of Table Soccer and open even more our world to recreational players. The 2021 ITSF World Cup, which will take place in Nantes, will be a high point of this project. This major event will serve simultaneously as a showcase and as a springboard for the key actions developed across the past years.
Being an Observer of GAISF for two more years is a valuable asset, that brings visibility to our sport at a world scale. Let’s now sustainably implant Table Soccer in people’s mind.
Farid Lounas
ITSF President