News from Members
An overview of the latest developments, current activities and future plans from UNIF member associations. Today an update from some of the most active and experienced futnet countries such as Switzerland, Czech Republic and France.
Switzerland
The league championships in all categories have now started in Switzerland. The National League began already in September while the lower leagues for men, women and juniors started later.
In 2012, the Swiss Association (ASFT) would like to renew its training program for coaches, dates and schedules of the courses will be available soon.
One of the most important dates in 2012 for Swiss futnet will be 9 June when an International Club Tournament will be held to commemorate 25 years since the foundation of the Swiss Association.
Czech Republic
This season's official competitions in all the categories are over. On 28th September the top men competition (extra-league) finished with the final match which was – for the first time in history – broadcasted live by the Czech TV sports channel.
National championships (day events) in singles, doubles and triples for all age categories have also taken place. There was a big novelty in men's category for all disciplines, a webstreaming of the matches, now available in the archive.
The last major event of this year will be 26th traditional international futnet tournament (triples) “The Last Smash” on 17th – 18th December 2011 in Prague.
Refresher courses for coaches and seminars for league referees are planned for the winter.
On 3 – 4 December 2011 a short training camp for talented juniors (girls and boys) will take place in Nymburk Sports Centre
France
This season French futnet has taken a new direction. The league in 1st and 2nd division is now played only in triple while the Cups are held in three disciplines: single, double and combined.
An interesting novelty is that this season a team which loses 3 sets to 2 is granted a bonus point. Corsican clubs had a good start of the season, with Ajaccio leading the league and last year’s champions Venaco in 2nd position. Regarding 2nd division, there are 9 clubs this season, including the multiple national champions GIFT from Paris. 3rd division is becoming more and more popular.
The Cup competition is organised in three disciplines: single, double and triple and is open to all registered clubs and players.