The FISTF family continues to grow, with New Zealand officially accepting the invitation to become the first Associate Member National Association (AMNA) of the federation.
The Associate Membership category was introduced into the FISTF Statutes following strong support from members at the 2024 Congress, with the 2025–26 Official Handbook outlining the detailed framework. An AMNA must have at least five licensed players and no clubs — the same baseline requirement as an MNA-P — but with key differences. Associate Members pay a €50 annual membership fee, receive a half-vote at Annual General Meetings and other official ballots, and are eligible to host a broader range of FISTF-sanctioned tournaments.
New Zealand not only meets the criteria — it exceeds them. The New Zealand Subbuteo Association currently counts 23 licensed players and three licensed clubs. It operates under a formal constitution, with an elected board and a structured sporting programme featuring both FISTF and non-FISTF events.
From Pub League to International Stage
The journey has been rapid and organic.
Richard Edeson
Conrad Mudge and Richard Edeson
The seeds were planted in 2022, during the Covid period, when an idea to start a Subbuteo-style pub league — inspired by darts and pool competitions — brought together Richard Edeson and Conrad Mudge after a chance Facebook connection. Early events were modest Saturday tournaments played on nylon pitches balanced on bar tables, soon evolving into a regular Tuesday night league of half a dozen players.
Support from the wider international community followed. Visits and guidance from experienced figures — including a trip to Auckland by Australia’s Adrian Connolly — provided technical direction and encouragement. By 2023, attendance at the Melbourne Grand Prix exposed the New Zealand players to FISTF-level competition and rules, prompting investment in professional equipment and a commitment to playing the game “properly”.
Momentum accelerated in 2024, with New Zealand mirroring the development path in Australia by staging regular WASPAs. After competing in Sydney and Brisbane FISTF events, and with encouragement from regional players, New Zealand staged its first International Open in November. Four Australian players travelled across the Tasman, joined by Austrians Wolfgang and Christian Hass, marking a significant milestone for the developing nation.
The growth has continued into 2025 and 2026. New Zealand made its debut at the CASTFA Asian Cup in Sydney with a full four-player national team — a landmark achievement. Domestically, the player base has expanded to the point where the country has now split into two regional squads for league play, reflecting increasing depth and sustainability.
In January 2026, New Zealand Subbuteo Association President Richard Edeson formally confirmed the country’s acceptance of Associate Member status.
“Our reason for accepting, by the way, is we can’t just expect to grow the game in NZ without supporting FISTF and helping to grow the game internationally,” Edeson wrote. “The two have to work hand in hand to successfully grow the game everywhere.”
New Zealand’s elevation to AMNA status is both recognition of the remarkable progress made in just a few years and a clear signal of its commitment to contributing to the global development of table football. It is also a beacon to other smaller nations just starting out — or coming back into the community.
FISTF welcomes New Zealand in its new capacity and looks forward to seeing the nation continue its upward trajectory on the international stage.
FISTF