End of an Era – Farewell and Thank You to Andover Subbuteo Club

The English Subbuteo Association is deeply saddened to hear that the Andover Subbuteo Club will be closing its doors following the decision by its founder, Chris Burford, to step down.

Chris has been a passionate and dedicated figure within the Subbuteo community since setting up the club in 2019. Despite facing ongoing challenges in attracting new local players, he poured his heart, and thousands of pounds of his own money, into creating a welcoming, well-organised space for enthusiasts to gather, learn, and compete.

His efforts extended well beyond his club’s boundaries. Chris played a key role in hosting several highly successful rounds of the English Championships, which have gone down in community legend, not just for their great organisation and friendly atmosphere, but for the infamous hot lunches and tea & cookies during afternoon breaks. These touches created an environment where players felt valued and cared for, setting a standard for what grassroots Subbuteo can be.

It’s a real shame that the local community in Andover didn’t take to the game in the way Chris had hoped. No one could have done more to make it a success, his commitment, energy, and hospitality were second to none.

Chris’s touching words about Rowland Lyons, whose memory is honoured each year with the Rowland Lyons Memorial Trophy, remind us of the friendships and connections this game builds. We are pleased to hear that the Solent Subbuteo Club may continue this special tribute.

While the club may be stepping back, Chris will still be a familiar face within the community, continuing to play at Solent and hopefully joining future tournaments. His contributions, past, present, and future, are deeply appreciated by everyone at the ESA.

Thank you, Chris. You made a difference.

The English Subbuteo Association