Following on from our new partnership with the MK Dons Trust and the creation of a brand new MK Dons Subbuteo Club; the English Subbuteo Association were invited to further showcase the game of Subbuteo Table Football at the recent EFL Trust annual Conference, the community based programme of the English Football League clubs who are committed to building stronger, healthier more active communities.
The goal of the ESA was to showcase the game to the 72 EFL member trusts, promoting the example of the new MK Dons club, with a view to building a network of EFL affiliations as the ESA continues its growth ahead of the next FISTF World Cup in Tunbridge Wells in 2024.
ESA Board members Stewart Grant and Martin Hodds were joined by four of Team England's World Cup representatives in the form of father and son Aaron and Finlay Skinner, plus Alan Lee and Bob Varney, to demonstrate and promote the game.
The day was was a fantastic success with representatives from many of the 72 league clubs taking part in games of Subbuteo Table Football, many playing games against each other, as well as taking in some tips from our World Cup players.
With certain strategic alliances already on the the ESA's radar, interest in the game and starting possible new clubs was shown by a number of clubs including Burnley, Leyton Orient, Charlton, Bristol City, Bradford City, Grimsby Town, Portsmouth, Hull City, Hartlepool Utd and many others.
Not only were relationships formed with football league clubs, but bonds were also made with the representatives from the Ministry of Defence that could see the game introduced to cadets and a programme of clubs for military veterans, creating even more exciting opportunities for the game going forward.
Work will continue within the ESA to build on these exciting relationships as we continue to grow the game throughout the country.
New clubs will be promoted on our social media channels in the coming weeks with the roll out beginning in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 2nd November at the MK Dons Brooklands Pavilion from 7pm.
More information on the EFL Trust Conference can be found here https://www.efltrust.com/efl-trust-conference-2022/