A Celebration of Community, Culture and the Power of the Game
Despite the rain, spirits soared in NW10 on Sunday as we proudly hosted our first-ever International Walking Football Invitational Competition at the Bridgestone Arena. Delivered in association with the Jason Roberts Foundation and supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association through the Players Project Pilot, the day brought together over 120 attendees — players, volunteers, families and community leaders — for a powerful celebration of football’s ability to connect generations and cultures.
For us at Walking Football Caribbean, this was more than a tournament. It was a statement of intent.
A Day of Firsts
Teams travelled from across the UK and beyond, filling the arena with colour, laughter and anticipation. One of the most historic moments came with the arrival of Somalia’s first-ever international walking football team — a milestone warmly acknowledged and celebrated by everyone present. It was a proud reminder of how this format of the game continues to grow globally.
We began the day with a welcome address from Jason Roberts, founder of the JRF and former Premier League striker. His message resonated deeply:
“This is about community, purpose, and using the game we love to unite and uplift.”
That spirit shaped everything that followed.
We would like to extend a massive thank you to The Football Association for supplying four of their top-class Walking Football certified referees — Gregg Dalmar, Mark Blythe, Vernon Ray and Rob Wilkes — whose professionalism ensured the day ran smoothly and fairly.
While we followed FA rules as our foundation, we also introduced three UEFA trial rules to support the evolution of the game. All were received positively and contributed to a high standard of competitive yet respectful football.
The Players Project in Action
The Players Project Pilot, backed by the Premier League and PFA, was at the heart of the event. The initiative empowers current and former players to use their platforms to give back meaningfully to communities.
Jason didn’t simply lend his name — he was present throughout the day: walking the pitch, speaking with players, encouraging teams, and personally handing out medals and caps.
At the close of the competition, he reflected:
“I’ve learned so much from today. Watching the older generation enjoy the game, seeing the camaraderie, the connection — it really is special. This is what the Players Project is all about: using the blessings football gave me to create social change and support communities.”
For many participants, his presence carried enormous weight. As one player shared:
“It’s inspiring that a player of his stature comes down and supports us — it means the world.”
Football, Friendship and Purpose
While England teams claimed trophies in both the Over 50s and Over 60s categories, the true success of the day lay beyond the scorelines.
Walking football is more than competition. It is:
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A tool for physical health
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A defence against isolation
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A pathway back to confidence and identity
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A bridge between cultures and communities
Throughout the day, players spoke openly about how walking football has helped them recover from illness, maintain mobility, rebuild social networks and rediscover purpose later in life.
That is why we do what we do.
Legacy and Impact
As is tradition at Walking Football Caribbean, the event concluded with the annual presentation of international player caps — this year awarded by Jason himself. A powerful moment of recognition and pride for every participant.
Otis Roberts, CEO of the Jason Roberts Foundation, summed up the day perfectly:
“Thanks to the Premier League, the PFA, and the Players Project, we’re able to create moments like this. To bring players from far and wide, from all walks of life, and unite them through football — it’s brilliant and I can’t thank them enough.”
Our Commitment Moving Forward
This invitational marks the beginning of something bigger.
Walking Football Caribbean remains committed to:
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Expanding international partnerships
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Creating inclusive spaces for over-50s footballers
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Supporting diaspora communities through sport
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Building pathways for future tournaments across London and beyond
Rain may have fallen in Brent — but what rose above it was unity, dignity and joy.
And this is only the beginning.
- Watch: Afro-Caribbean Walking Football at the World Masters 2026 - 21 August 2026
- Squads Announced For World Masters Walking Football Cup - 7 August 2026
- Afro-Caribbean Enter The Masters World Walking Football Cup - 1 April 2026