The Annual Meeting of International SOCCA Federation
The Annual Meeting of the International Socca Federation took place at the Hyatt Hotel in Birmingham on the 19th March 2019, as delegates from all the world analyzed the success of the SOCCA World Cup in Lisbon last year, and discussed the strategy for the small-sided football tournaments ahead.
The World Group Trunkwala Family and Leisure Leagues PK represented Pakistan on the international forum, with their achievements over the past one year being praised in the meeting. World Group’s Chairman, Mehmood Trunkwala, and ISF’s Vice President, Shahzaib Trunkwala, who also presided the session, were present at the meeting.
The meeting also informed the delegates about the rapid growth the Federation in just 13 months since its formation. From the original countries that had signed up, there were now 87 who had either joined or were in the process of being approved.
Elsewhere CEO Thanos Papadopoulos was able to whet everyone’s appetite for both the upcoming World Cup in Crete and the Champions League in the beautiful Slovenian city of Maribor. Preparations for both are now well underway, with delegates able to see impressions of the stadiums and get a feel for conditions.
After this it was the turn of the welcome special guests. ISF Head Referee, Mark Clattenburg shared his experiences in Lisbon last year at the 6 a side world cup, as well as sharing some stories from throughout his career.
Senior Presenter, Gary Newbon MBE discussed his thoughts on a lifetime in sport on TV, before ISF Director of Football, Ron Atkinson, told some hilarious tales from his decades at the very top.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa Manager – a veteran of League Cup and FA Cup victories – had celebrated his 80th birthday the day before (“I am forty and forty anniversaries” he had joked with the crowd) and was given a cake to celebrate.
A presentation on behalf of the Trunkwala family of World Group and Leisure Leagues Pakistan was also delivered, who’s vision and generous benefaction has given so much to the organisation over the last 14 months.
