Sponsorship means Subbuteo World Cup free for fans
Players from 32 countries will take part in the event in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
- Published
A newly-signed sponsorship deal will see the World Cup finals of the table football game Subbuteo offered to spectators for free.
Players from 32 countries will take part in the event in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
The game was invented in 1946 by local resident Peter Adolph.
All the matches will be free to watch following sponsorship by Royal Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Eland Cables, the English Subbuteo Association said.
The tournament will be held between September 20 and 22.
Alan Lee, chairman of the association, said players from World Cup holders Italy would pit their skills against teams from across the world in the sport, which has seen increased popularity among youngsters in recent years.
“Since announcing the World Cup, we’ve been inundated with enquiries from the public asking where they can buy tickets for the Celebration of Subbuteo weekend,” he said.
Mr Lee added that Subbuteo was "in the hearts of the people of Tunbridge Wells".
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and excitement from the local community, who are very proud of their Subbuteo heritage," he explained.
"Subbuteo really is coming home.”
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s arts, heritage and engagement officer, Jeremy Kimmel, added: “This game is part of our local heritage and that story belongs to everyone.”
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