American players traveled abroad for decades. Our traveling friends gathered personal resources and arranged their schedules for opportunities to compete. They showed their adventurous spirit in heading out of their domestic circles to try their luck against some of the best in the sport (And BIG Thank yous to their families for being understanding!!)
There were many players who took the plunge to compete overseas such as Open category players, Vets, and youth players as well. Players who traveled overseas for Subbuteo included Christian Filippella who played for Napoli Fighters this past year; Peter Alegi who enjoyed playing in many Subbuteo tournaments in Italy in 2022 and also recently signed with the Rome club, Black Rose; Paul Eyes, Daniel Cranston, and Michael Tillman who made up an active US contingent on the same club from Rome; Patrick Sheridan played for Glasgow TSC in 2021; Benny Nuger joined up and played for Belgium Club, Hennuyer; and Bryan Arnold who played for Derry City TFC.
Two all-time great players whose careers in Europe extended back many years are Zach Walker and Gregg Deinhart. They both represented the “States” with distinction. Zach ventured to Mons in 2004, one of the biggest tournaments of the year. He played in numerous competitions such as International Opens and GPs. He also represented our country in World Cups on several occasions. Gregg first played overseas in 1998 at the World Cup held in Belgium. Gregg played in multiple tournaments including the 2016 World Cup also hosted in Belgium; Gregg achieved great success at that venerable tournament as he progressed out of his group into the knockout rounds.
Experience overseas can be eye opening and inspiring. Both Zach and Gregg indicated that they benefitted. “Playing abroad helps a lot…I was fortunate enough to live abroad for a while which helped me improve immensely, “ Zach commented. Gregg added, “The best way to learn this game is to experience it…Participation in international Subbuteo opportunities will always benefit the game domestically.” As important as it is to experience international competition, Zach expressed an important caveat that matchplay progress does not singularly rely on overseas efforts but that a domestic focus can be quite fruitful.
Gregg believed that the combination of American talent, and the long time and continued history of engagement in overseas competitions, helped the American Subbuteo community. Gregg believed that knowledge shared within the American community–from the education in Subbuteo gained abroad—inspired development.
Other benefits to travel were suggested as well. American players made friends with other players from a wide range of countries. Gregg mentioned that he made lifelong friends including perennial greats: Phil Redman (England) and Vincent Coppenolle (Belgium), for example. Gregg and Zach helped to widen relationships, another solid plus to rubbing shoulders with overseas players. Both players made historic forays into Canada as well. They made relationships and garnered invaluable experience in making the widely flung Subbuteo community across the world a bit closer. The ASA worked through the years to make connections with others in our neck of the woods, which culminated in the establishment of the Confederation of North American Confederation of Sports Table Football in 2020. Zach and Gregg demonstrated the importance and efficacy of priceless community mindedness.
Additionally, playing overseas increased eminent interest and energy level. The efforts of Americans abroad gained positive attention from within the American community. Players eagerly followed tournament updates via Facebook, for example, and watched matches on YouTube. Players interacted with each other via text and messaging as well. Followers and viewers, and also opponents abroad, saw American players and their wonder in those famous Subbuteo settings across the world. American eyes were wide and mouths agape at the great numbers of players and tables seen in one place. The Subbuteo world also saw that sportsmanship was a hallmark of our behavior in overseas competitions.
