Europe’s best Subbuteo players will be heading to Kent for two of the game’s biggest championships this weekend.

The iconic tabletop football game is returning to its birthplace county, welcoming almost 40 clubs from 10 countries competing at Abbey School in Faversham to take the crown.

The Champions League and Europa League tournaments are held every year and are among the most prestigious events on the Subbuteo Table Football calendar.

A statement released by organisers said: “Both tournaments will be staged under the same roof, creating an electrifying weekend of top-tier Subbuteo action.

“Many of Europe’s finest Subbuteo Table Football clubs will be travelling to England to compete, showcasing the very best the sport has to offer.

“Across two days of intense competition, players will battle it out for continental glory in the Champions League and Europa League.

“Spectators can expect world-class matches, tactical brilliance and the unique atmosphere that only Subbuteo’s biggest club competitions can deliver.”

Seven teams from England, Scotland and Wales will be among those competing in the tournaments.

Subbuteo was invented in 1947 by Peter Adolph in Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells. The game’s name is derived from the Latin name for the Eurasian hobby, a swift bird of prey.

The game requires players to flick miniature models of football players around a replica stadium with their fingers to score.

Mr Adolph’s initial design featured cardboard players on circular bases with lead weights.

Over the years, Subbuteo evolved with the introduction of three-dimensional plastic players, different playing surfaces and accessories.

The Champions League and Europa League event is to take place at the London Road site on October 25 and 26.

Last year, the game’s World Cup was held in Tunbridge Wells - with Italy taking the men’s team title and Belgium winning the women’s team competition.