What is Subbuteo Table Football?
For those of us who play the game, that question is incredible. Surely everyone has heard of Subbuteo?
Well, not everyone has!
Simply put, Subbuteo Table Football does exactly what it says on the tin, it is a table top football game. Not one of the computer games that abound these days, but a proper hands on game, where skill and tactical know-how are used to beat another player. The game imitates 'real' football to a great extent in terms of the rules, but obviously there are things in Subbuteo not found in the real game and vice-versa.
Players are flicked at the ball to simulate kicking. Crikey that sounds very simplistic for what can be such a complicated and skill-filled game! But in essence, if you have a finger, you can play Subbuteo! The game is a combination of football, chess and snooker, as is very addictive, but great fun as well!
Want to play?
Subbuteo can be as expensive or as cheap as you want to make it. Sure, you can spend a small fortune buying top grade equipment and travelling the world to play in tournaments. But most of us cannot afford that, so this is where the local clubs come in. It is at these clubs that players can learn the game from more experience players, and also gain the advantage of having access to top grade equipment. At NETFA we have the very best in playing pitches supplied by the 
.
So how much do you need to spend? Well to get started you need a team and a goalkeeper. That's all! For those two items you can spend between £15 and £250, depending on the style of the players and the paintwork that has been applied. For a basic team and keeper, £15 will get you as good a team as anyone else, but it will maybe not look as nice! If you can paint the figures, that will add to the team however, and you can customise the kit to your liking.
There are many manufacturers of table football equipment and many places where things can be bought. Second hand equipment can be found on E-Bay but is not always good value. Our preferrred supplier is 
Why join a club?
Well, there are many reasons why you should join a club. Simply, the more you play, the better you will get, and club play is where everyone gets their bread and butter games and practice. Just as importantly, it is at the clubs where players learn the rules and can practice their reffereeing skills before having to face the same task at a tournament. Joining a club will also open up doors to more information about the table football community, allowing you to make the most of the game. Tournament details are more available and club team events are suddenly possible. Just like in a lot of other sports, table football is an individual event, but it can also be a team event and the team spirit can be awesome! You also get better access to equipment and news regarding the development of new equipment.
Another important aspect of the club scene is that most of the clubs organise at least one tournament each season. Without these events, the game would dwindle, so it is vital to keep them going. NETFA is a very new club and has not held its first tournament yet. But it will soon!
Where to go from here?
Well, the NETFA club caters for players in the North East of England, although anyone is welcome at our club meets. If you want to come along, drop me a line at:-
However, you may be reading this and not be able to come along, but still want to play. If you need any halp to find yourself a local club to you, or help in any other table football related way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I hope to see you all playing soon!
