International Socca Federation

The ISF was formed in late 2017, by leading providers of small-sided football across Europe and the rest of the world. The ISF aims to bring together experts from across the globe. It was officially launched at a ceremony in Birmingham in February 2018, with guests of honour including World Cup Referee Mark Clattenburg.[1] [2]

As an inclusive organisation, the ability to register to the ISF is open to anyone who wants to run the national 6 a side team in their country, subject to an approval process. [3]

Initially there were 51 countries invited to the launch in Birmingham, UK. [4]

The governance structure announced involves a number of top figures from the Socca world. From Pakistan, Shahzeb Mehmood Trunkwala of World Group[5] was elected as Honorary Vice President, along with English solicitor and charity founder Tim Ollerenshaw [6]

The International Socca Federation quickly began to make senior managerial appointments after February's meeting, with Greek Businessman Thanos Papadopoulos – founder of Libero S & T -[7] taking over a CEO and German events mogul Christoph Köchy [8] being Head Of Sponsorship [9] They will be joined by other experienced staff, such as Stuart Winton who is tournament director. He has been considered one of the finest referees in socca, having officiated at prestigious events such as Star Sixes at the O2 Arena.[10][11]

The International Socca Federation has signed up some of the football figures to be ambassadors. The head of these is Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldhino, who has experience of socca, having played in exhibition games in Pakistan in summer 2017.[12][13] Many of the players who played in these games have signed up to be ambassadors, such as Robert Pires and Ryan Giggs - who has given his shirt to Leisure Leagues - one of the partners in the Federation.[14]