The International Socca Federation is an organization which sets up the Socca World Cup. It sets up as a separate, independent governing body, specifically for small-sided football – 6 a side – in order to look after the interests of the sport separately to the existing governing bodies.
Formation
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.
Eligibility
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.
Number of countries involved
Initially there were 51 countries invited to the launch in Birmingham, UK.
Governance
The governance structure announced involves a number of top figures from the Socca world. From Pakistan, Shahzeb Mehmood Trunkwala of World Group was elected as Honorary Vice President, along with English solicitor and charity founder Tim Ollerenshaw
Management appointments
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 - taking over a CEO and German events mogul Christoph Köchy being Head Of Sponsorship 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.
Ambassadors
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. 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.
The first Socca World Cup took place in Lisbon, Portugal at the purpose built Trunkwala Stadium. The matches kicked off on 23 September 2018, when Canada took on Cape Verde and ran all the way through to 29 September, culminating in Germany's 1-0 win over Poland. In match that was refereed by Mark Clattenburg. The tournament received coverage throughout the world, including high profile endorsements from the likes of Lukas Podolski and the Neymar foundation.
The first ever Socca Champions League took place on 18–21 October 2018 in Porec, Croatia. Dynamik Torun emerged as champions, beating another team from Poland Kluge Team Plock 2:1 in the final.
