TEDx Talk: A Journey with Subbuteo
ABOUT BOB:
Join Bob Varney for a powerful talk about how community and collaboration can shape our future. As we explore global ideas and local transformations, Bob’s insight into bringing communities together through the love of Subbuteo will leave you with a fresh perspective on how we can all play our part in moving forward.
Bob Varney’s journey with Subbuteo has not only brought him into the heart of a beloved game but also allowed him to unite communities across the globe. Joining the Board of the English Subbuteo Association (ESA) during lockdown, Bob quickly became a driving force behind the successful bid to host the Subbuteo World Cup in 2024. This iconic event, hosted in his hometown of Royal Tunbridge Wells, was a major milestone for the game and the community alike. Bob’s passion for Subbuteo extends beyond the tournament, as he’s now serving as Head of Team England, guiding the team toward the 2026 World Cup in Paris.
But it’s not just about the game itself. Bob sees Subbuteo as a powerful tool for connection. Through his work with the ESA, he’s witnessed how Subbuteo can bridge cultural divides, bring together people from all walks of life, and create lasting bonds. His talk at TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells will explore how Subbuteo’s history, and its connection to Tunbridge Wells, offers insights into the power of community, collaboration, and moving forward together.
Bob’s work with the ESA culminated in the 2024 Subbuteo World Cup, an event that saw players from around the world coming together to compete in the game’s spiritual home, Tunbridge Wells. This event marked a return to the town’s roots, as Subbuteo was created in Langton Green by Peter Adolph in 1946. With the town’s long history tied to Subbuteo’s origins, the World Cup was truly “coming home,” uniting local and global communities in celebration of the game.
Bob’s story ties perfectly with the event theme, “Next Steps.” After years of hiatus, TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells is returning to reflect on the profound changes we’ve experienced in the last five years. Just as Subbuteo is evolving and growing, Bob’s journey exemplifies the idea that progress doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through collaboration, connection, and shared goals. The Subbuteo World Cup held in Tunbridge Wells during September 2024, demonstrated how something as simple as a game could bring people together, heal divisions, and create meaningful change.
Bob’s talk will inspire the audience to think about their next steps in building community, celebrating our shared history, and working together for a better, more connected future. Whether through sports, community projects, or personal initiatives, Bob’s experience shows how we can all take action to create unity and inspire positive change.
SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE INFORMATION:
Bob’s main social media channel is his LinkedIn Profile here so please do tag @bob-varney-b693b015