Caribbean Nations Cup 2025
England Walking Football
Caribbean Nations Cup
Sunday 20 July 2025
England Walking Football were delighted to be invited to this very special tournament, entering two teams in the over 50s age category and one team in the over 60s and over 65s age categories. Our over 50s (whites) and over 60s teams came home victorious, bringing back their well-earned silverware. Congratulations to all our EWF players who were selected and for their superb performances on the day.
Brent Hosts First-Ever International Walking Football Invitational: A Celebration of Community, Culture and the Power of the Game
Despite the rain, spirits soared in NW10 on Sunday as the first international Walking Football Invitational Competition took place at Bridgestone Arena, hosted by Walking Football Caribbean in association with the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF). Supported by the Premier League and the PFA through the Players Project Pilot, the day brought together over 120 attendees, including teams, volunteers, families, and local community leaders, for a celebration of football’s power to connect generations and cultures.
A Day of Firsts
Teams travelled from across the UK and beyond, with one of the standout moments being the arrival of Somalia’s first-ever international walking football team, a historic milestone warmly acknowledged by all in attendance. From the outset, the energy was high. Teams gathered in the Bridgestone Arena hall to kick off the day with a welcome speech from Jason Roberts, founder of the JRF and former Premier League striker. His message was clear: “This is about community, purpose, and using the game we love to unite and uplift.”
A massive thank you to The FA for providing 4 of their top class Walking Football certified referees Gregg Dalmar, Mark Blythe, Vernon Ray & Rob Wilkes. Whilst using mostly FA rules, we introduced 3 new UEFA rules to trial, all of which were received positively.
Jason’s presence was a highlight for many. As one participant put it, “It’s inspiring that a player of his stature comes down and supports us it means the world.” That sentiment set the tone for a day grounded in inclusivity, dignity, and joy.
The Players Project in Action
The Players Project Pilot, backed by the Premier League and PFA, was at the heart of the event. Designed to empower current and former players to use their platforms to give back, the initiative was brought to life through Jason’s active involvement not just as a figurehead, but as a present and engaged host, walking the pitch, talking to teams, and handing out medals and caps.
Jason reflected at the end of the day:
“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.”
Football, Friendship, and Purpose
While the competition was fierce, with England teams taking home the trophies in both the Over 50s and Over 60s categories, the true victory was in the connections formed. For many, walking football is not just a sport, it’s a lifeline, a way to maintain health, rediscover identity, and find fellowship in later life.
Players shared how walking football has helped them combat isolation, recover from illness, and regain a sense of purpose.
Legacy and Impact
As part of the tradition of Walking Football Caribbean, the day concluded with the annual presentation of player caps, this year handed out by Jason himself.
Otis Roberts, CEO of the Jason Roberts Foundation, summed it up 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.”
Over 65s report
Thank you to Graham Liddiard for writing the following report on the Over 65s:
England 65s suffered a frustrating day in the Caribbean Nations Cup on Sunday in London. With a large squad of players the team only found the necessary cohesion and fluency too late in the tournament.
In the morning’s group games England 65s lost narrowly to Ireland 65s (0-1), Thames International (0-2) and Caribbean (0-2). Much improved performances against Ireland 60s (0-0) and England 60s (0-0) were unfortunately not enough to progress to the afternoon’s semi finals.
In the play off match for 5th place England 65s finally found their form - running out fairly comfortable winners 2-0 over Ireland 65s. Goals from Martin Wadeson and Graham Liddiard.
Special mention for Ken Hitchell and Rob Wellby who both produced some remarkable saves to give England 65s three clean sheets in their last three matches. A big thank you to Tim Tyler who stood in as manager at fairly short notice and did a great job in ensuring that performances improved over the course of the tournament. Finally congratulations to Caribbean Walking Football for an extremely well run tournament. We look forward to coming back next year.
