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eFlicker World Table Football Awards 2006

eFlicker Merit Award 2006 - Presented to: Paul Eyes (Maryland SC)

Without Paul Eyes, table football in America would be nearly non-existent. The English ex-pat, who works as a teacher in a Maryland school, runs a website where he talks about his passion for Subbuteo, he sells equipment to American players, and he has been a tireless leader in organizing tournaments, teaching children the game, and building a community of Subbuteo aficionados that may one day compete on the world stage with other countries.

In the space of a few years, his Maryland SC has built up a successful adult league and has the largest youth section in the world, with over 70 U19s who play regularly, several of whom are considered amongst the top players in America.

Paul is seen by some as the best example of the kind of person who builds bridges between people, bringing fellow players, new and old, together for the betterment of the game.

Highly commended:

Nicky Chappell has single-handedly transformed one of the most problematic areas in English tournaments, namely the playing boards. The Worthing Fivestar member travels the length and breadth of the UK to ensure that all tournaments are played on his consistent and top quality San Siro surfaces, and will also supply the playing boards to the 2006 Europa Cup for Clubs in Portugal.

Marcus Tilgner is mother and father of his club, Sparta Spreeathen 74/82, in one person. Marcus also contributed towards the organization of the 2006 World Cup in Dortmund and was responsible for the attendance of the China delegation. Furthermore, the organizer of the Berlin Grand Prix and the Berliner Bären Pokal also does a lot of work for young peoples who have social problems and helps them to come off the streets of Berlin.

* Accompanying comments are taken from reasons provided by those making nominations for the eFlicker Merit Award.

* All three gentlemen will be recognised in the eFlicker Hall of Fame, which will be instigated shortly.

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The following (in alphabetical order) were also nominated, and eFlicker would like to thank all of them for their contribution and support to the development of table football:

• Mattia Bellotti (CCT Napoli 2000) for playing at a very high level all around the world.

• Thossa Büsing (VfL Kamen) for his great work of formation in Germany.

·        Alan Collins (TSC Royal 78) for his input to attract media at the World Cup and for his continuous help to attract sponsors and to develop the game.

• Vincent Coppenolle (Templeuve United) for his work and dedication in his role as FISTF President.

• Martin Evans (Cardiff Bluebirds) for maintaining the Subbuteo Players' Forum.

• The committee of Hamrun TFC for bringing so many youth players into the game and training them to a great level in a very short period.

• Wofgang Hucek (DEVILS Austria) for being a very friendly player - he always smiles!

• Alexandre Jeanmart (SC Ternois-Sambreville) for enjoying to play the game, even if he's losing his matches.

• The whole staff of CCT Napoli 2000 for their efforts in developing the game amongst young people in a difficult area like the Naples suburbs.

• Olivier Pere (AS Hennuyer), because he is one the most respected persons on the circuit, absolutely incorruptible, altruistic and reputable. He has an excellent attitude towards the sport and the people, and represents "fair play" at a very high level. Also for his work as Sports Director for FISTF.

• Eric Verhagen (DEVILS Austria) for being prepared to teach young and new players.

• The world ranking team - Frederic Perdaens and Vincent Coppenolle - for ensuring that rankings are provided on time each month, so that tournaments can be run without problems.

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