At 7:30pm (AEDT), Sunday November 24, 2024, ATFA will be holding its annual general meeting. All ATFA members are invited to participate – a video conference will be set up for those around the country (and, indeed, the world!) to be able to tune in. The main item on the agenda for the meeting will be the election of the ATFA Committee for the 2025 season.  Please respond to this email if you would like to attend the AGM and we will include you in the distribution for the video conference link.

Nominations are now open for the Committee. As per our constitution, ATFA Members are able to nominate any other ATFA Member (i.e. you can’t nominate yourself) for a position on the Committee, as long as it is SECONDED by another member AND agreed to by the nominee. Members are free to make as many nominations as they like. Having a voice on the Committee is a great way for the different clubs and regions around the country to be heard in decisions that ATFA needs to make from time to time.

If you are an ATFA member and would like to nominate someone, fill in the details in the google form at the bottom of the page. Please note, ALL info requested must be supplied in order for the nomination to be valid.

The Committee consists of 7 people. Generally, 4 of those are Office Bearers and the other 3 are Committee Advisors. The roles for each are outlined below.

Nominations close: 11:59pm (AEDT), Saturday November 9, 2024
Voting (if required) : 12:01am (AEDT) Monday November 10 – 11:59pm (AEDT) Sunday, November 17, 2024

DESCRIPTIONS

Office Bearers

President : oversees the Committee. In conjunction with the Committee, the President sets dates for, and convenes Committee meetings as required, including the compulsory Annual General Meeting following the close of each financial year; presides as chairperson over all Committee meetings.
current member – Adrian Connolly (Western Flickers TFC)

Vice President : assists the Committee President in all the President’s duties.
current member – Peter Thomas (Melbourne TFC)

Treasurer : oversees ATFA’s monetary concerns: the running of ATFA’s bank account; supplying annual profit/loss overviews to the Committee and ATFA Membership; keeping records of all expenses and income.
current member – Nathan Urbaniak (Melbourne TFC)

Secretary General : is responsible for: supplying all documentation required by FISTF in regards to ATFA club and player memberships; FISTF tournament registrations and results or any other necessary documents; keep minutes of all committee or general meetings.
current member – Eliot Kennedy (Northern Falcons TFC)

Ordinary Committee Members

Committee Advisor (General) : offers advice and assistance to the rest of the Committee in relation to all decisions made at the Committee level.
current members – Adrian Elmer (Western Sydney Subbuteo), Luke Radziminski (Melbourne TFC), Giuseppe Tardiota (Brisbane SC)

All Committee Members will be equally responsible for the discussion and decision making processes for any issue required of the Committee. It is expected that all Committee Members will be proactive in promoting Subbuteo Table Football in their local context and will undertake all their table footballing duties, including Committee membership, with the best interests of the game in Australia at heart.

The 2023 ATFA AGM was held on Sunday 19th November.  The minutes are now available for review by those unable to attend.  The incoming Committee are:

– President: Adrian Connolly

– Vice President: Peter Thomas

– Secretary: Eliot Kennedy

– Treasurer: Nathan Urbaniak

– Ordinary Committee Members: Adrian Elmer, Luke Radziminski, Giuseppe Tardiota

We would like to thank outgoing Secretary Steve Wright for his service on the committee over recent years.  We welcome the addition of Nathan Urbaniak to the Committee for the first time, and thank the other members for continuing in roles on the committee.

The AGM agreed that a small membership fee will be reintroduced for 2024.  This is required in the longer term to cover the costs of the association.  More information on that to follow soon, along with the process to apply for some of the modest funds available from ATFA to aid the growth of the game, particularly equipment for the development of new and emerging clubs.

ATFA AGM 2023 Minutes

Players from the 2023 Australian GP

During an amazing weekend of table football action at the magnificent Ultra Football facilities, Peter Thomas claimed the first FISTF Grand Prix Open Individual title and backed it up the following day to help Melbourne TFC win the club teams title in Melbourne on the weekend.  This was the first FISTF Grand Prix held in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores in 2020.

The tournament schedule began with the dinner draw at Panenka Café.  There was a strong turn out with most players attending the event to enjoy great food and the social aspects of the start to proceedings.  Welcome gifts were given to Bryan Arnold as a thank you for travelling all the way from the USA to compete, and also to Richard Edeson who travelled from Auckland to be the first Kiwi to compete in a FISTF event.  There was also a token of appreciation presented to Kevin Grant, a work-horse on the Australian table football scene without whom we wouldn’t have the quality tables we have today.

The crowd listens intently to the words of FISTF President Steve Dettre during the welcome address

The draw itself was always going to present some tough groups to escape from.  Richard Wilson was left cursing being draw with Peter Thomas and the surprisingly unseeded Fabrizio Coco, likewise Tony Madiona drawn with Robert Green and Vikas Chandarimani.  Most others saw their groups as tough but with some hope of progressing to the round of 16.

Demonstrating the depth of competition, and the turmoil COVID caused to global FISTF rankings, 5 of the 8 seeds did not top their group.  Only Robert Green and eventual finalists Peter Thomas and Eliot Kennedy prevailed.  However, all seeds except for Giuseppe Tardiota did progress from their group.

Some of the highlights from the group stage included:

• Peter Thomas defeating Australian 2022 World Cup representative Fabrizio Coco 4-0 in the first match live streamed on the marquee Dt38 Foundation table
• Richard Wilson taking the lead against Peter Thomas (in what was to be the only goal Peter conceded in the event)
• Richard Edeson picking up his (and New Zealand’s) first ever point in a FISTF event. Richard Edeson’s improvement showed in his first ever FISTF event, conceding 8 then 4 then keeping a clean sheet!  4-0 win next time perhaps!?
• Bryan Arnold defeating Luke Radziminski in their final group game to leapfrog him into top spot.

In the Round of 16 Luke Radziminski, Eliot Kennedy and Carl Young scored big wins against Paul Mercer, Kostas Barbaris and Tony Credentino, respectively.   Nick Brill also had a comfortable 3-1 win over Steve Dettre.  Top scorer of the group stages, Adrian Connolly, lost his scoring boots and ultimately the game in a shootout to Nathan Urbaniak who held his nerve to score his final penalty shot.

The round of 16 also threw up some clashes between players fancies to go deep into the tournament.  In these games Peter Thomas overcame Vikas Chandiramani 1-0, Robert Green defeated Fabricio Coco 2-0 and Bryan Arnold bowed out in sudden death extra time against Daniel Lombard.

In the quarter finals, Peter Thomas was too strong for Nick Brill, whilst Luke Radziminski was made to fight hard for his 2-0 win over Nathan Urbaniak.  Eliot Kennedy’s good form continued in a solid 3-1 win over Daniel Lombard.  But the pick of the matches was Carl Young’s win over Rob Green that drew a big crowd during extra time and penalties.  Carl came from a goal down to draw 1-1 in normal time.  With no score in extra time, Carl again went behind in penalties before scoring with his 5^th penalty flick to take the game into sudden death shots in which he then scored again to take out an epic encounter between to champions of the game.

In the semi-finals, Peter Thomas was again too strong for his opponent.  This time club mate Luke Radziminski had no answers.  Carl Young was again involved in another epic clash that will live long in the memories of many at the tournament.  After Eliot took the lead, Carl again came back to draw level.  However, this time he couldn’t respond when Eliot Kennedy took the lead a second time.

The final between Peter Thomas and Eliot Kennedy was a very tight game.  After a period of second half possession deep in Eliot’s half Peter ultimately was able to break open Eliot’s defence and score what turned out to be the only goal of the game.  The clash was also notable for Peter’s ability to retain possession for the last 5minutes (and more!) of the game to kill off the clash.

FISTF Open finalists Peter Thomas (left) and Eliot Kennedy (right) with referee Carl Young (Centre)

Consolation Trophy

A WASPA was held for the 9 players eliminated at the group stage of the FISTF event.  Played in the Fast20 format, with no extra time in the event of a draw, it was a do or die knockout cup!

Giuseppe Tardiota progress to the final without conceding, though had to fight hard to scrape past both Christos Garagounis in the ¼ finals and Richard Wilson in the semis 1-0.  Geoff Sirmai was his opponent in the final after narrowly defeating Tony Madiona 1-0 and then Beth Eveleigh on penalties in the semis.  The final was a high scoring affair.  At the end of 20mins the scores were tied 2-2.  This time Geoff didn’t have what was needed in the shootout, with Giuseppe taking out the title.

Consolation Trophy winner Giuseppe Tardiota. (photo courtesy of Behind The Lens – LMR)

Traveller’s Cup

On Sunday, a WASPA was held for those players not competing in the FISTF Teams event.  It was a more relaxed event, but with plenty on the line in the form of the choice of Hop Nation beverage for the winner as well as the trophy!  A field of 9 players was divided into two groups playing in the Fast20 format.  In Group 1, Vikas Chandiramani and Adrian Connolly quickly took control of the group, leaving Richard Wilson to hope that Adrian could overcome Vikas in the final game to give Richard hope of progressing. Unfortunately for Richard, Vikas won 1-0 to clinch top spot, with Adrian taking second.

The other group was very tight.  All 4 players in the final round of games could progress.  Geoff’s win over Nick Brill gave him top spot and in doing so ended the chances of Nathan Urbaniak reaching the semis despite his win over Tony Madiona.  Richard Edeson’s earlier boilover win over Nathan ultimately cost him a spot in the semis after Nathan’s great run into the quarter finals in Saturday’s FISTF event.

Playoffs were held for classifications.  Richard Wilson defeated Nathan Urbaniak 1-0 to clinch 5^th, and Tony Madiona defeated Kevin Grant on penalties to take out 7^th.  In the playoff for 8^th Kevin defeated Richard Edeson 1-0 on sudden death penalties.

In the semi-finals, Vikas and Adrian were again too strong for their opponents, setting up a return clash for the title.  This time, after again conceding the first goal to Vikas, Adrian was able to level scores.  Both players pressed hard for the winner in a very open game, but it was Vikas who took his changes to take the title.

Always smiling!  Singapore’s Vikas Chandiramani celebrating his Traveller’s Cup win.

Club Teams

Four clubs entered the teams event on Sunday – Melbourne TFC, Sydney TFC, Northern Falcons TFC and Northern Phoenix TFC.  The tournament was held in round robin style.  Whilst Northern Phoenix, boosted by the presence of American loan signing Bryan Arnold, put up stiff resistance in each game, the clashes between the other three clubs ultimately decided the winner and placings.  Melbourne comfortably overcame Sydney TFC in what was a key result as in later games Northern Falcons could only draw with both Sydney TFC and Melbourne TFC.  Rob Green’s winner against Daniel Lombard was key to the Falcons getting a point against Sydney.  The final game between Northern Falcons and Melbourne TFC decided the title.  It was another gripping encounter with individual games and the overall team contest see-sawing at various stages of the matches.  With this, Melbourne TFC topped the standings to take out the title

Club Teams winners Melbourne TFC

Players enjoying their lunch break in the Panenka Café.  Amazing food, great service and terrific atmosphere (particularly when replays of Liverpool’s latest loss were shown on the big screen!).

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped out throughout such an amazing event full of great sportsmanship, camaraderie, and love for the beautiful game of Subbuteo table football!

GP individual results

GP Individual group standings

Consolation Trophy WASPA results

Traveller’s Cup WASPA results

Traveller’s Cup WASPA group standings

FISTF Teams event results

FISTF teams event standings

With registrations now closed, we can confirm that 26 players will be competing in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix of Table Football.

Individual Open

This will commence at 09:30 SHARP.  Be at the venue for opening at 9am.  Panenka Café is open for breakfast from 6am.  Players registered are as follows:

1. Vikas Chandiramani
2. Beth Eveleigh
3. Anthony Madiona
4. Geoff Sirmai
5. Giuseppe Tardiota
6. Richard Wilson
7. Adrian Connolly
8. Paul Mercer
9. Steve Dettre
10. Fabrizio Coco
11. Carl Young
12. Eliot Kennedy
13. Robert Green
14. Christos Garagounis
15. Bryan Arnold
16. Arjuna Hanafi
17. Richard Edeson
18. Peter Thomas
19. Kostas Barbaris
20. Nick Brill
21. Luke Radziminski
22. Kevin Grant
23. Nathan Urbaniak
24. Tony Credentino
25. Daniel Lombard
26. Jonty Brener

In line with FISTF recommendations, the format will be 6 groups of 3, and 2 groups of 4 players.

One player will be seeded into each group, as per the most current FISTF rankings.  The remainder will be a random draw conducted on Friday 3^rd February at the Panenka Café exclusive event that commences at 6pm.

Top two from each group progress to the Round of 16.

There will be a lunch break.  Participants cannot leave the venue during this time to ensure we re-commence on schedule to meet the strict closing time of the commercial facility.

The final is expected to commence soon after 4pm.  We must vacate the venue before 6pm (preferably 5:30pm).

A Consolation Trophy WASPA event will be held for those eliminated in the group stage.  This will be 10 players.  4 will play in a barrage to progress to the ¼ finals of this event.

Open Club Teams

There will be one group of 4 teams completing a round-robin event.  In line with FISTF recommendations, standings from the group determine the winner and placings.  The plan is for the event to conclude by 4pm.

Again, there will be a lunch break in Sunday’s program.

Traveller’s Cup

For those players without Club Teams entered in Sunday’s FISTF event there will be a WASPA – the inaugural ATFA Traveller’s Cup.  The plan is to have the final games complete before 3pm to allow some participants to travel to the airport for early flights home.  There are 9 players participating in this event:

• Vikas Chandiramani
• Anthony Madiona
• Geoff Sirmai
• Richard Wilson
• Adrian Connolly
• Arjuna Hanafi
• Richard Ederson
• Nick Brill
• Kevin Grant

The format will be announced at the Dinner & Draw Friday 3^rd February.

Presentations and Conclusion of proceedings

All presentations will occur at the conclusion of the tournament, expected to be at approximately 4pm Sunday 5^th Feb.

We must vacate the venue by 5pm on Sunday.  Your assistance with packing up will be greatly appreciated to ensure we leave a good impression with the operators of this amazing venue so that we may have the opportunity to be there again or Ultra Football’s Sydney store.

Adrian Connolly

ATFA President.

Key takeaways:

• Friday night dinner is included for registered players – drinks are not included but available for purchase (water provided).
• Please arrive on time on Saturday and Sunday! We have strict finish times as the tournament is being held at a commercial venue that must be staffed.
• Do not leave the venue during the tournament. Food and beverages are available for purchase on site throughout the weekend.
• It is going to be AMAZING!!!
• If you want to know more… please read on!

Thank you to those who have registered for what we hope will be the biggest and most exciting event in Australian Table Football this year!  For those that have not been to the venue (or its sister store in Sydney) it is simply amazing!  Ultra Football Melbourne hosted the launch of this seasons’ A Leagues men’s and women’s competitions.  They are very active on social media (worth a follow!).  Be warned, you could do some damage to your credit card with all the great merchandise available including some more obscure kits and speciality merchandise.

Ultra Football may have their film crew there at times over the weekend.  Our resident (award winning!) photographer Luke Radziminski will be behind the camera lens when not competing.  Streaming coordinated by Steve and Louis Dettre is also planned for the event, with the intention to set up a feature table for filming.  Please alert the organisers prior to the event if you do not wish to be filmed or photographed.

We hope to have some special guests drop in to see the Subbuteo Table Football action over the weekend that you may recognise from the A League or former playing days in the NSL.  Melbourne Victory are scheduled to have some of their teams in store on Saturday as part of a regular club day to measure for clothing.  Feel free to interact with them or the general public interest in what is occurring and to explain what we are doing!  Posters will be available that include a QR code to connect with us on facebook should they be interested.

Out the front of the venue is the football themed Panenka Café.  This café will host the Friday Dinner draw.  It is open for breakfast and lunch from 6am to 4pm each day.  The food and coffee are fantastic.  They will be opening exclusively for our function on the Friday evening.

If you do need to withdraw from any aspect of the event plus advise at your earliest convenience to minimise impacts on the organisation of the schedule and costs for the event.

FRIDAY 3^rd February

We will be setting up all the boards in the Ultra Football venue in the afternoon, thanks to the Legend that is Kevin Grant for transporting ALL the boards!  We would love you to make it to help set up if you are available to do so.  Once we have set up, players will be able to use the board… but only after we have finished setting up please!

Ultra Football will close at 5pm.  We will then be able to move into the Panenka Café once they have set up.  There is a deck out front we can use if there is a short delay.

The Dinner Draw event will officially open at 6pm.  If we do get access prior to that time please do not expect to be served until 6pm.  This may occur but staffing will be minimal as it is open especially and exclusively for our small event which officially commences at 6pm.

Dinner is a set menu, canape style event.  All food is Halal friendly and will cater for all the dietary needs listed on registration forms.  Dinner is included for all registered players, plus for those who have included their partner in their registration fee as an optional addition.

Drinks are NOT included in the price.  Drinks must be purchased at your own expense during the event.  There are a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available.  Water will be provided.

Menu for the dinner:

Package of 3 small bites and 2 large bites (we are advised this is a LOT of food!)

• Potato croquettes
• Buffalo chicken tenders
• Corn and tomato empanadas
• Southern fried chicken sliders
• Smoked mushroom tacos

If you have any concerns about items meeting your dietary needs, please contact the organisers before the event or ask the staff on the evening for information on the ingredients.

Beverages available for purchase at your own expense include:

• Beer (Furphy’s or Great Northern)
• Wines (Sav Blanc and Prosecco)
• Assorted Soft Drinks
• Coffee and Tea.
• A water station will be set up.
• Other beverages may be available on request.

Smoking is allowed outside the venue on the deck on Friday evening (and during the weekend).

Schedule:

1pm (*TBC)        Commence set up at Ultra Football

5pm                       Ultra Football closing to public.  Panenka Café’ open for us to set up

6pm                       Panenka café venue officially opens to our event

6:30pm                 Food service commences

6:45pm                 Welcome address and overview of the weekend’s festivities

Draw for the Individual Open Event

7:30pm                 Second food service

7:45pm – 8pm    Conclusion of Draw – Consolation Trophy, Teams Event, Traveller’s Cup

SATURDAY 4^th FEBRUARY

The individual open event will be held throughout Saturday.  PLEASE ARRIVE AT 9AM FOR A 9:30AM SHARP START.  If you are NOT READY AT 9:30AM you may need to forfeit your first match.  We have a strict schedule to be out of this commercially operating soccer super store by a set time due to their staffing.  It is a tight schedule.  The number of players means will be playing or refereeing throughout at least the group stage, and at least one game beyond your elimination from the FISTF event.

For those eliminated in the group stages, there will be a Consolation Trophy.  The format of which will be announced Friday evening and the draw will be conducted to enable the schedule to flow smoothly on the Saturday.  As players are eliminated from the FISTF event they will need to referee the following round games.

Please do not leave the venue with the exception of smoking out the front during the defined lunch break to ensure we stick to the tight schedule.

Lunch will be available at the Panenka Café.  We will provide details Friday night on the food and ordering over the weekend.  We have two large tables reserved for us lunch in the café on the weekend.   Check them out online https://panenkafoodstore.com.au/

No dinner is planned for this evening, and the café will only be open until 4pm.  For those wishing to eat together we may arrange something on the day.  There are a number of good quality options on Victoria St Collingwood which is famous in Melbourne for food, particularly a range of quality affordable Asian restaurants as well as groovy options.  There are also a number of breweries and quality pubs now operating in the area for those liking quality beer with their food!

SUNDAY 5^th FEBRUARY

We will need to commence at 9:30am SHARP on Sunday morning too.  As per Sunday there will be a lunch break and tables reserved for us.  There will be two events:

FISTF Open Club Team

Four teams have entered.  One team will be scheduled to referee whilst two others play, and one will have a break for each round of games.  Please stick strictly to the schedule and do not leave the venue if you are not playing as the schedule is tight due to the time required to complete the club teams event.

Traveller’s Cup

Those players without club teams will be able to compete in a WASPA event.  This will also commence at 9:30am.  Details of the event will be announced Friday evening, with the event expected to be completed before 3pm to allow some players to leave the venue for flights home.

The venue is scheduled to close to the public at 5pm.  We intend to have final presentation as soon as Sunday events are complete, which may be 4pm due to the schedule expected for the teams event.  We would appreciate all those available to assist with packing up the venue in the lead up to the conclusion of the event to enable us to leave the venue on time.

TOILETS

Limited toilets are available in the Panenka Café, but are also available to us in the main arena within Ultra Football.

Getting to the venue

Public Transport

The nearest train station is Collingwood Station (on the Mernda line), just a few stations from the CBD and a short 5min walk from the venue.

Trams also run through Collingwood via Victoria St. on Tram route 12.  Note that whilst trams are free to all users in the CBD, Collingwood is outside the free tram zone.

Uber/Taxi

The venue is a short drive from the CBD.  It may cost $15 from the centre of the city near Flinders St Station and take <15mins, less time and money if you are staying closer to the venue.  Uber/Didi/Ola is likely the quickest, easiest and possibly cheapest option if you are staying in or near the CBD.  Didi is typically cheaper than Uber.  Ola is available but not often used by most locals.  Taxi can be used by calling 13CABS or via their App.

Driving

As noted above, the venue is conveniently located close to the city.  Free street parking is available nearby, but note the parking restrictions closest to the venue will prevent you from parking directly out front all day without risking a hefty fine.  A short distance down Victoria Crescent, or Nicholson St you can find parking that is still a short walk and free for the period you will need during the event.  Parks down Victoria Crescent past Konqa (the kit manufacturer of many Australian Subbuteo club kits) are free for 4 hours Monday to Friday until 5pm and free for unlimited timing after that on a Friday and throughout the weekend.  Check the signs before leaving your vehicle.  Parking fines are large in Melbourne and parking attendants are frequently seen in the area!