Fransoo began by looking back at 2018, which he described as an "extraordinary" year. 

"We have just completed an extraordinary year with undoubtedly the most extensive international competition calendar we have ever seen," the Dutchman said.

"The Continental Championship cycle saw a record number of national teams competing for this year's IKF World Korfball Championship. 

"The intensified youth cycle culminated in the first IKF Under-21 World Korfball Championship, replacing a long-standing series of prior under-23 events. 

"In the under-19 and under-17 categories we have been moving to a more extensive and formal championship cycle reflected in the first official IKF Under-19 World Korfball Championship to be held this year. 

"On top of it all, the IKF Beach Korfball World Cups have been growing in an effort to establish beach korfball firmly as our second main discipline."

He then went on to discuss 2019 and the importance of developing korfball. 

"With the youth and beach cycles now firmly grounded, it is a natural next step to fully align our development efforts with our international event cycle," he said.

"I am fully convinced that grassroots and youth development, along with coaching and refereeing education, needs to be related to participation in national and international events. 

"These need not be a traditional weekly league. 

"What is critical however is the opportunity to play; merely practicing to practice is not motivating. 

"Purpose needs to be part of any programme. 

"I am personally also very happy that some of the countries that have not qualified for the World Championships have been requesting us for additional international events and are now also applying for formalised friendly international matches."

Beach korfball was raised again, with the growth of the discipline clearly a major objective for the upcoming year. 

"The second main strategic choice we need to discuss is the position of beach korfball as a major discipline," Fransoo said.

"How do we envision its growth?

"What can we learn from other sports that have moved new disciplines to the foreground in an effort to increase its global presence? 

"How does beach korfball fit into our long-term ambitions?"

Fransoo ended his message by encouraging National Federations to put forward any input they may have.

"I am sure that among our National Federations there are further items deemed of importance to our future development," he added.

"The IKF Council would like to hear from you as we prepare for our next strategic cycle. 

"In this cycle, more than ever, we want to consider your input and ideas."