The European Minifootball Federation (EMF) held its General Assembly in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the organization and the future of minifootball across Europe. The agenda for the meeting covered a range of critical topics, including the admission of new members, the strategic vision for the next five years, and innovations in minifootball programming.
Here’s a breakdown of the key decisions and discussions:
New Full Members: France and Slovenia
A notable highlight of the General Assembly was the formal admission of France and Slovenia as new full members of the EMF. This expansion reflects the growing popularity and recognition of minifootball throughout Europe. Both countries have shown immense potential in the sport, and their inclusion will undoubtedly bring new energy, opportunities, and competitive spirit to the EMF community.
EMF Report 2024 and EMF Calendar 2025
The assembly also saw the presentation of the EMF Report 2024, providing an overview of the organization’s activities, achievements, and challenges over the past year. Key achievements included expanding member participation, successful tournaments, and increased media visibility. Looking ahead, the EMF Calendar 2025 was presented, showcasing a packed schedule of events, competitions, and initiatives aimed at further growing minifootball at the grassroots and elite levels.
EMF Goals and Vision 2025-2029
The EMF Strategic Document for 2025-2029 was a centerpiece of the General Assembly. This document outlines the federation’s goals, focusing on enhancing the global reach of minifootball, increasing participation, and creating a more professional infrastructure to support players, clubs, and national teams. The strategic goals will focus on:
Expanding Member Nations: Further increasing the number of participating countries.
Improving Competitions: Developing high-quality events and tournaments.
Sustainability: Ensuring the financial stability and long-term growth of the organization.
This vision is aimed at shaping the future of minifootball, positioning it as a key player in European and global sports.
EMF Budget 2025
One of the most critical decisions made at the General Assembly was the approval of the EMF Budget for 2025. This budget outlines the financial framework for the coming year, supporting key initiatives such as international championships, national development programs, and operational costs. The approved budget underscores EMF’s commitment to financial transparency and its strategic allocation of resources to drive the growth of the sport.
EMF Quality Ranking
Another exciting development at the General Assembly was the presentation of the EMF Quality Ranking. This ranking will be the first version of a national association quality index, offering a way to measure and benchmark the performance of each country’s minifootball program. It will be an invaluable tool for countries to assess their progress, identify areas for improvement, and strive for higher standards of governance and competition.
Walking Football: Presentation and Demonstration
The General Assembly also featured a presentation and demonstration of Walking Football. This variant of minifootball, aimed at older players or those with physical limitations, is gaining traction as an inclusive, fun, and accessible version of the sport. A live demonstration on the pitch provided attendees with a firsthand look at the rules and gameplay of Walking Football, which is expected to be a key area of growth for EMF in the coming years.
Looking Forward
The EMF General Assembly 2024 proved to be a crucial moment in the evolution of minifootball in Europe. With new countries joining the federation, a bold vision for the next five years, and initiatives designed to increase the sport’s accessibility and quality, the future of EMF looks bright. The Federation is poised to continue developing its competitions, expanding its membership base, and enhancing the minifootball experience for both players and fans alike.