Christoph Koechy’s journey in slight-sided football has reached a novel peak. He has been appointed President of the International Socca Federation (ISF), a role he describes as both professionally and personally significant. Koechy’s path, beginning with a university league in Göttingen, Germany, in 2005, has been one of consistent building and dedication to the sport.
“This is a huge moment for me,” Koechy stated. “Not just professionally – but personally. Small-sided football has shaped my entire life. It’s where I built my first projects, where I found friends, where I discovered countries and cultures. It’s not just something I work in. It is who I am.”
Koechy’s early work centered around the Uni-Liga, a university football league in Germany. From there, he founded the Deutscher Kleinfeld-Fußball-Verband e.V. (DKFV) in 2012, an organization established to foster a growing enthusiasm for small-sided football in Germany. The DKFV, according to its mission statement, prioritizes fun, community, and accessible league play. The organization has since become a key member of the International Socca Federation, which currently represents around 80 member countries across all continents. The DKFV was founded with the intention of providing a home for the growing passion for small-sided football in Germany.
The appointment to the ISF presidency represents a significant step forward, not just for Koechy, but for the sport itself. He acknowledges that small-sided football, despite its growing popularity, remains underappreciated and under-resourced. His vision is to elevate the sport to a more professional, global, and commercially viable level.
Koechy expressed deep gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career, singling out Thanos Papadopoulos for his immense contribution to the rise of Socca and his continued role in the federation’s future. “None of this is built alone,” Koechy emphasized.
The ISF, and by extension Koechy, aims to provide a larger platform for the sport, its players, and its compelling stories. This ambition extends beyond simply increasing visibility. it encompasses a commitment to professionalizing the game, expanding its global reach, and attracting greater commercial investment.
The roots of Koechy’s dedication are clearly visible in the growth of small-sided football in Germany. The Uni-Liga in Göttingen, for example, continues to thrive, with multiple groups and regular matches. The Göttingen Uni-Liga featured several competitive matches in late 2025, showcasing the ongoing enthusiasm for the sport at the university level.
The German national small-sided football team has also seen recent success, reaching the quarter-finals of the TUI Soccer World Cup 2025 before being defeated by the Netherlands 3-1. Prior to that, they secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Hungary in the round of 16, avenging a previous defeat. The Deutsche Kleinfeldfußball Nationalmannschaft continues to represent Germany on the international stage.
Koechy’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the sport. While the exact details of his plans for the ISF remain to be fully unveiled, his commitment to growth and professionalization signals a new era for small-sided football. He views this not as a moment to reflect on past achievements, but as a starting point for a more ambitious future.
“This is just the beginning. This is SOCCA,” Koechy concluded.
The next steps for Koechy and the ISF will likely involve outlining a strategic plan for the federation, focusing on areas such as tournament development, player support, and commercial partnerships. Further announcements regarding the ISF’s future direction are expected in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on Koechy’s appointment? Share your comments below and let us know what you’d like to see from the International Socca Federation!
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