Each week, we will highlight one member of our CMF team. We would like to provide you with ‘behind the scenes’ news on our operations, and can get to know a little bit more about the people working for the Canadian Minifootball Federation (CMF)! We have asked each of our team members the same eight questions, to provide a broad perspective on what they bring to the CMF team.

In today’s post, we meet the Co-Founder, Director, and the General Secretary of the Canadian Minifootball Federation (CMF) – Monika Viktorin. She will reveal to us her responsibilities and the role that she plays in this ambitious project.

CMF: Explain in detail what projects you are working on at CMF?

I wear multiple hats within CMF. Thus, I am always working on many projects. At this moment, I am working with the executive team on developing a clear vision for onboarding affiliate clubs and strategically scaling the growth of Minifootball in Canada. I also oversee the operations of CMF, including onboarding our volunteers, administrative paperwork, and sitting in on staff meetings. It is a fascinating period in CMF’s journey. We have a great team dedicated to unleashing CMF’s potential.

CMF: What initially drew into wanting to join the CMF?

As one of the founders of CMF, I have supported Jan in his vision to bring Minifootball to Canada. From our initial meeting with the World Minifootball Federation, I knew that the Minifootball culture was a gap in Canada. I was shocked that this sport was played worldwide, yet Canada had not entered the international space. Around the world, Minifootball is not just a sport – it’s so much more. The Minifootball environment cultivates new social networks, brings communities and individuals together, and is such an exciting sport. Minifootball has had such a positive influence on people worldwide, which motivates me to introduce that culture and share this experience with Canadians.

CMF: How has your experience been so far?

I won’t lie, it’s been a very challenging journey. However, we have surrounded ourselves with very passionate and well-rounded individuals that have made this experience well worth it. Every day there are new opportunities and new challenges, yet we manage to continually move forward. It is a beautiful experience to see something grow in front of your eyes and receive an acknowledgment from others on the mass potential of Minifootball in Canada. The communities in Canada have been very receptive to supporting us. We also have the support and experience of the international Minifootball community, which has opened many doors.

CMF: Describe a typical day for you working on CMF projects.

As a Director there, I wouldn’t say there is a ‘typical day.’ My day consists of helping Jan manage anything that comes through the door. Our motivation always incorporates our future vision of this organization, while grounding ourselves in the daily challenges and successes. As an executive member, I participate in meetings with other Federations around the world, which allows us to engage and keep up to date with our Minifootball ecosystem. We all offer our own unique skills and have an experience that can benefit one another. We also are continually networking with organizations, and the community, to create symbiotic relationships and partnerships. We do this by attending meetings, video calling, emailing, and social media. Lastly, we work alongside our CMF team to ensure we are always moving forward, whether it’s updating codes on our website or tweaking marketing posts. We are fully invested in our non-for-profit being successful.

CMF: How has the pandemic affected your work? How have you adjusted to it?

The pandemic has been a period of reflective thinking. With leagues not running, it has allowed us to really think about our brand. Our team has used this as an opportunity to really strengthen our online presence, adjust our website to benefit our members, and map out our future vision in more detail. We have also become adaptive and have introduced e-sport tournaments to allow us to safely engage with our community.

CMF: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Growing and shaping this organization does take up a vast amount of my free time. However, every moment I get, I try to spend it backpacking. I truly enjoy exploring BCs luscious green and the mountains. You just can’t beat a view of that glacier blue, surrounded by mountains, hundreds of meters above the city.

CMF: What other work do you do outside of the CMF?

Outside of CMF, I am an Evaluation Specialist. I work at the University of British Columbia as a Researcher and take international contracts in evaluating health programs. These skills are transferable, as I understand the importance of designing and implementing a plan, and incorporating evaluation and monitoring to provide informed decision making.

CMF: What do you hope to accomplish while with the CMF?

My long-term goal is to see Minifootball in every province and territory in Canada. Sport can connect individuals, provide a temporary escape from reality, and promote active living. I think every person deserves to take a few minutes out of their week, and selfishly dedicate it to their health and well-being. I use it as a ‘reset button’ to ignite my passions in life. That feeling of your heart racing and the joy you feel when participating in a group sport. I want to be a part of creating joyful opportunities for everyone.

Next week, we will introduce you to Daniel Godfrey, another Director of the Canadian Minifootball Federation (CMF)!

Michael Mazzel

CMF Sports Journalist