The national federation was officially launched in November last year, with Henczi tasked with overseeing the professionalisation of the sport in the country.

Henczi has said 54 clubs in 14 regions are now attached to the federation and hopes to launch a league to offer more playing opportunities.

"It is important to note that these are sports clubs that have been existing for more than 10 years that offered the infrastructure for a teqball club," Henczi said.

"We are very proud that from these clubs almost all of them have certified coaches and referees.

"The total number of players is around 200 playing teqball regularly.

"We will start our league structure called the - Circuit de National de Teqball – where we expect all the clubs to participate."

Teqball has received strong support from footballers, including former national team stars Luis Figo, Nuno Gomes, and Simao.

Henczi said the support from players has helped to engage people with teqball, both online and participating in tournaments.

"I divide the Portuguese stars into two groups," Henczi said.

"Some of the players are teqball international ambassadors like Luis Figo, Nuno Gomes, Simao Sabrosa and they have a big influence in Portugal.

"Then there is Jose Bosingwa and Raul Meireles, both former players of Porto, who played in a teqball tournament involving Sporting Lisbon, Benfica and Porto football clubs.

"This generated very high viewership and engagement on social media – higher than the general news from the Porto football team.

"Creating this tournament was definitely successful in drawing attention to teqball, the rest of the job is then done by the sport of teqball itself.

"The football stars love to play so they welcome all opportunities to practice, this natural love for teqball is important for helping grow the sport."