The FISTF Board of Directors has decided that to fulfill the requirement of the Statutes, we are moving to fill the two remaining vacant roles on the Board
Towards that end, we have decided to formally co-opt Andrew Fitzpatrick (IRL0011) onto the FISTF Board as the new Director of Inclusivity and Participation (formerly the “Special Sports Director” position).
The FISTF Board in 2014 first created the position, co-opting Massimo Bolognino.
After he left in 2016 the position was formalised into the Statutes, but has been vacant ever since.
After some recent discussions with a number of players, including Andy, Massimo, Jonathan D Smith (USA), it was decided to fill the position.
Andy seemed the ideal candidate. His impressive CV reads:
Dedicated professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in psychotherapy, disability advocacy, and inclusive sports development. Expertise in fostering accessibility in mental health and sports environments, developing community programs, and collaborating with government agencies, healthcare providers, and sports organizations. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, with hands-on experience promoting sports participation for individuals with disabilities. Adept at policy development, team leadership, and strategic program implementation to create equal opportunities for all.
We welcome Andy onto the Board.
He issued the following statement:
I’m truly honoured to accept the invitation to become a co-opted member of the FISTF Board.
Table football has been a lifelong passion of mine—not just as a game, but as a platform for connection, inclusion, and joy. I’m ready to bring that passion to the boardroom and help push our sport forward into a more inclusive future.
My mission is to make sports table football more accessible to everyone. That begins with a fresh lens on how we use language in our official communications, ensuring every player sees themselves reflected and respected. I’d also like to lead research into adaptive rule sets and
accessible formats that make it easier for people of all abilities and backgrounds to engage — while still preserving the high-performance side of our sport.
As part of this, I plan to actively connect with players who have participated in table football while navigating a range of physical and intellectual challenges. Their lived experience is essential in shaping authentic, practical, and meaningful change. Inclusion isn’t just policy—it’s
listening, understanding, and co-creating a better sporting environment together.
Subbuteo, as Peter Adolph envisioned it, wasn’t just a game—it was a hobby built for everyone. That spirit still matters. In Ireland, we have community hubs like Men’s Sheds, where older men gather to connect, create, and unwind. I see enormous potential in bringing table football into
these spaces, as well as into retirement villages—offering social connection, tactile fun, and a sense of purpose.
And for the next generation? Let’s create inter-school competitions. Table football is affordable, strategic, and thrilling—everything a school sport should be. If we build structures now, we’ll have a thriving youth pipeline tomorrow.
As part of this new role, I propose we update the title to Director of Inclusivity and Participation. It better reflects the role’s scope and the direction I hope to lead: fostering
belonging, broadening participation, and building a sport that leaves no one on the sidelines.
Looking forward to collaborating with the Board on this exciting journey.
Andy
The Board has agreed to update the title of the position formerly known as “Special Sports Director” to “Director of Inclusivity and Participation”. This will be reflected in changes to the FISTF Statutes and Official Handbook.
FISTF
