In preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Subbuteo players are honing their skills in a rather unconventional setting – a garden shed. While the image of athletes training in a shed may seem peculiar, for Martin Óg Bradley and his teammates from the Derry City Table Football Club, this humble shed in Londonderry serves as the perfect training ground for the prestigious tournament.

Subbuteo, a beloved table-top football game that gained immense popularity in the 1970s and 80s, involves players flicking miniature football players around a replica stadium to score goals. The game, invented in 1946 by Peter Adolph in Royal Tunbridge Wells, has evolved into a competitive sport with a dedicated following. The upcoming World Cup will feature players from over 26 nations competing both individually and in teams for their countries.

Martin Óg Bradley, Oisín Mór, and Lawrence Watson, representing the Derry City Table Football Club, are gearing up to make their mark at the World Cup. Martin Óg Bradley, reminiscing on his childhood experiences with Subbuteo, highlighted the game’s social aspect, emphasizing how it has facilitated friendships with players from around the globe. Lawrence Watson likened Subbuteo to chess but with miniature footballers, underscoring the strategic depth of the game.

For Lawrence, the goal at this year’s World Cup is to advance beyond the group stage, aiming for a strong performance from the Northern Ireland team. Similarly, Oisín Mór, set to represent the Republic of Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the resurgence of interest in Subbuteo, especially following the Covid-19 lockdown. He acknowledged the tough competition from countries like Malta and Italy but remained optimistic about the Republic of Ireland’s prospects in the tournament.

The significance of this year’s World Cup being held in Tunbridge Wells, the birthplace of Subbuteo, adds a special dimension to the event. Martin Óg Bradley emphasized the historical connection to the location, emphasizing that without Tunbridge Wells, the game would not have flourished as it did. The anticipation for the tournament is palpable, with both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland teams eager to showcase their skills and support each other throughout the competition.

In a world where digital gaming dominates, Subbuteo stands out as a nostalgic yet enduring pastime that continues to captivate players of all ages. As Subbuteo enthusiasts converge in Royal Tunbridge Wells for the World Cup, the game’s legacy of camaraderie, skill, and sportsmanship shines through, proving that even in a modest garden shed, champions can be forged.