Walking Football Caribbean

Staying healthy, keeping active.

In collaboration with the Jason Roberts Foundation, the Walking Football Caribbean Association was founded by Shaun Merchant, Ken Guiste, Gregg Dalmar and George Evans. Walking footballers who share a passion to develop the sport they love, both in the UK and the Caribbean.

The Jason Roberts Foundation invests in local communities to change outcomes for the most marginalised in the United Kingdom and Caribbean.

Otis Roberts, CEO of The Jason Roberts Foundation said “This collaboration makes absolute sense to us at JRF. As a community based charity we are well aware of the inactivity that is evident in the Caribbean Community once that 40 marker is reached. Walking Football is a great way for people to stay active and be a part of something that is social and has many health benefits. Once folks get active again who knows what they’ll do next.” JRF is fully aligned with Walking Football Caribbean’s mission is to improve, maintain and promote the physical, mental and social wellbeing of older adults through walking football.

Walking football is played by hundreds of thousands of people in over 70 countries. The health and mental benefits for the Caribbean Community—particularly, males who are 40 plus—are numerous. Chronic Illnesses such as Diabetes, Dementia and Parkinson’s have plagued Caribbean communities for decades and Walking football provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout. It helps improve endurance, strength, and overall fitness. Regular participation can lead to better cardiovascular health, increased stamina, and improved muscle tone. Fantastic for mental stimulation, stress relief and social interaction. It’s designed to help people get fit, maintain an active lifestyle no matter what their age and fitness level, as well as to support people getting back into football.

To engage and work with all walking football groups/clubs, partners, participants, local authorities, health services and any other organisations interested in the development of walking football. Increase participation by managing, supporting, developing and promoting walking football in the Caribbean. Create and support a sustainable competition structure throughout the Caribbean at all appropriate age levels in conjunction with existing competitions that encourages full social integration.

So, why play walking football?

From those who now play the game...

I’m 65 and was diagnosed a diabetic about 10 years ago. I play Walking Football 4 hours per week and more if we have a competition game. Diabetes is a plague in Caribbean communities and this activity can bring life change and relief both physically and mentally. It’s also a great social activity in meeting new friends and camaraderie.

George

Walking Footballer

I had this vision of elderly people walking with a football and I didn’t feel that was an image good for my ego, until I tried it and I was hooked. No contact, no running but you can walk fast was just perfect. The health benefits, camaraderie and social inclusion have been fantastic. I feel great and noticeably have more energy. 60 is the new 30 something. I highly recommend you try it at least once.

Gregg

Walking Footballer

Walking Football has been a bright light at the end of my tunnel. It has kept me fit, motivated, and extremely happy to be alive. The numerous health benefits are tremendous, and I fully encourage anyone over 50 to try it. It will make a difference to your lifestyle.

Ken

Walking Footballer

I played football at a decent level in my younger days, so that passion to stay active felt natural. However, finding the right vehicle was not so easy. Walking Football was perfect, it’s non-contact, competitive and social. Ticking all my boxes. I get to play with friends, stay active and every now and again win something. 

Shaun

Walking Footballer

George on walking football.

Gregg on walking football.

Ken on walking football.

Larry on walking football.

You just got to love this game

Playing for health first and competing for fun...

Shaun and Tony on walking football.

We really could get the hang of this.

You just got to get involved.

Mark shows how to recieve and finish.

Pele’s Pearls World Champions.

Messi’s Diamonds in action.

We're playing in the Walking Football World Cup 2023?

The Caribbean will be represented by 2 teams...

THE 2023 WALKING FOOTBALL WORLD CUP OF NATIONS WELCOMES THE CARIBBEAN TO ITS FINALS 

Walking Football Caribbean in collaboration with The Jason Roberts Foundation will be sending a multi-country team to the Walking Football World Cup finals that will beheld at the home of the England Football Team, St George’s Park, Burton-on-Trent between 24th and 26th August 2023. The Caribbean team will be joined by 21nations from Africa, Europe, North America and Australasia.

Mike Adams, former Grenada National Head Coach, National Walking Football Coach of the Year and South-East England Regional Coach has officially joined the Walking Football Caribbean’s team in the capacity of coach. “We are delighted and very grateful to have Mike onboard.” George Evans, WFC co-founder. Mike is widely regarded as one of the best walking football coaches around. 

Mike says, “I’ve been coaching this sport for around 5 years now and have been alarmed at the lack of players of black origin that participate. It’s a great game that takes more out of you than you may think. For the elite player, it’s still competitive and fast paced as the ball is moving rather you. At the participation level it really is a great way to get and keep fit whilst minimising the potential of injury in this non-contact version of the beautiful game. The fact that we are entering a Caribbean team into this competition is an opportunity that I could not resist.” 

I’ve been coaching this sport for around 5 years now and have been alarmed at the lack of players of black origin that participate. It’s a great game that takes more out of you than you may think. For the elite player, it’s still competitive and fast paced as the ball is moving quickly, rather than you. At the participation level it really is a great way to get active, stay active and keep fit whilst minimising the potential of injury in this non-contact version of the beautiful game. The fact that we are entering  Caribbeans team into this competition is an opportunity that I could not resist.

Michael Adams

Coach, Team Caribbean

The Groups

For any enquiries contact us via email at contact@walkingfootballcaribbean.org