The International Sport for All Federation welcomes the IFA as new Committee Member

The International Sport for All Federation (FISpT) is pleased to announce that the International Fistball Association (IFA), the global governing body for the sport of fistball, has been accepted as a new Committee Member of FISpT. This new cooperation strengthens FISpT’s worldwide network of international federations committed to promoting inclusive and accessible sport participation at all levels.

The admission of IFA confirms FISpT’s commitment to support team sports that combine strong community roots with a modern, innovative approach to participation and event presentation.

The International Fistball Association (IFA), founded in 1960, is the umbrella organization for all national fistball federations worldwide and serves as the global governing body of the sport. Based in Austria, IFA oversees the development of fistball on all continents, currently uniting dozens of member associations and coordinating international competitions and development programmes.

IFA is a recognised member of key international sports structures, including the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), and collaborates closely with organisations such as the International World Games Association, the International Olympic Committee and other sport partners. The federation sanctions World Championships and World Cups, manages the global competition calendar and fully adheres to the World Anti‑Doping Code and related international standards.

Fistball is a dynamic team sport in which two teams of five players face each other on a rectangular grass or indoor court divided by a centre line and a net or tape. Each team tries to strike the ball with the arm or fist over the net into the opponent’s half in a way that makes it difficult to return, with the ball allowed to bounce once between contacts and teams having up to three touches before sending the ball back.

The game is played outdoors and indoors by men and women, youth and masters players, at both elite and recreational levels. In recent years, IFA has promoted flexible formats such as small‑sided 2×2 fistball and specific methodology to make the sport more accessible in schools, clubs, and community settings, lowering space and equipment requirements and encouraging mixed‑gender participation. Through initiatives like the IFA Fistball Academy, the federation provides education and resources for coaches, teachers, referees and players worldwide, aligning strongly with Sport for All values of inclusion, education and lifelong participation.

“As President of the International Fistball Association (IFA), I want to take this moment to celebrate our new partnership with the International Sport for All Federation (FISpT). This collaboration is not only a significant milestone but also a profound responsibility that we embrace with gratitude and dedication. Together, we have the opportunity to promote inclusivity and access to sports for everyone, ensuring that athletes and participants from all backgrounds can thrive. I fully recognize the importance of this partnership and the impact we can make in the global sports community. I am excited about the journey ahead as we work together to achieve our shared vision. Thank you, FISpT, for giving us the opportunity to be together in this important endeavor!”

As a Committee Member of FISpT, IFA will contribute its experience in developing a global team sport with simple equipment needs and strong community appeal, creating new opportunities to integrate fistball into school sport, university programmes, festivals and multi‑sport events. FISpT and IFA will explore joint activities in coach education, youth initiatives and grassroots projects that promote physical activity, fair play and international friendship through fistball.