The inaugural Socca Confederations Presidents Meeting was held yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the world of international small-sided football. While the action on the pitch during the ongoing tournament has captivated fans worldwide, the meeting held equal importance in shaping the future of the sport.
The meeting, which took place in the shadow of the magnificent Essen 2023 venue, saw the gathering of esteemed figures from the small-sided football community. Amongst the attendees were Christoph Köchy, Europe President; Sergio Ibarra, Americas President; Waleed Al Obaidani, Middle East President; Imad Mahassine, Socca Africa President; and Julia Colter, Head of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and CEO Thanos Papadopoulos.
Reflecting on the meeting, Tournament Director Tom Nash expressed his enthusiasm for the International Socca Federation’s growing reputation. He stated, “The ISF has become a beacon for excellence all around the world. The World Cup is the finest spectacle there is, and that’s only possible when the team off the pitch is as strong as this.”
The addition of the new Confederation Heads has further expanded the ISF’s global reach and influence. Nash added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with so many brilliant minds. We can all learn so much from each other, and it’s wonderful to all get together in a single forum like this.”
The Socca Confederations Presidents Meeting served as a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussions on the future direction of small-sided football. The gathered representatives shared their insights and experiences, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at enhancing the sport’s development.
As the tournament continues to showcase the immense talent and skill of players from around the world, the Socca Confederations Presidents Meeting reinforces the commitment of the ISF to ensuring the sustained growth and global recognition of small-sided football.