Socially-distanced Subbuteo ensures club can keep playing
It's one of the UK's last standing Subbuteo table football clubs – and members are still meeting to this day in South Staffordshire, going the extra mile to ensure gatherings are Covid-safe.
South Staffs Subbuteo Club has been meeting for 50 years, having first been set up in 1969 by Short Heath resident Mike Bradbury.
In its heyday, back in the 1980s and 1990s, the club would welcome up to 40 people every group meeting – but the numbers have dwindled over the years.
Now, with Covid restrictions in place, only six people are allowed to meet each time.
Mike, aged 66, said: "We get members from all over the Midlands, as far as Nottinghamshire.
"Back in its heyday every town used to have its own Subbuteo club but they faded away in time. Computer games have killed it off.
"But we have no plans to ever stop. We used to do a yearly tournament too but we have been challenged by Covid.
"We meet every third Sunday at Brownhills community centre but now we follow Covid restrictions, using the alcohol hand gel, wearing face masks and we have restricted it to six members, when normally we would have eight or 10."
Mike discovered his love for the table football game when he was 14 years old, after receiving a set for Christmas. He soon set up a club with friends from Cannock Grammar School, and it grew from there.
He added: "Over the years we've had possibly hundreds of Subbuteo enthusiasts come through the club – and we'd love to know where all these people are today.
"We'd love for them to get in touch or come back to the club to visit.
"People in lockdown have found their own Subbuteo equipment and are reliving the game as well.
"We would like to appeal to these players to come to the club and meet like minded people.
"I also know there are people out there who collect the sets – there are 300 teams you can collect for £10 to £15 a team. We'd love to meet them too."
For further information about the club, visit south-staffs-subbuteo-club.com or call 01902 636302.
