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World Cup Winner Dave Marriott; Elite referee Ken Badland; Tim Tyler and Richard Parker at the Masters Walking Football World Cup 2026
Cyril Ray Lewis
Coventry & District represented at the Masters Walking Football World Cup 2026 in Wales
Coventry & District were well represented at the Masters World Walking Football Cup -August 13th to August 16th 2026, held at: Briton Ferry Football Club, Neath, Wales. More info can be found at Community Reds Facebook
Four days of walking football - over 70 teams from 21 countries - Coventry & District represented by Ken Badland, as one of the elite referees, and Dave Marriott, a world cup winner playing for the England over 65s and Tim Tyler and Richard Parker playing for the Celtic Nationals over 60s squad.
Photos here:
England Over 65s
England 65s played in 4 games on Day 1 (Friday 14th), with a tense opener winning 1-0 against the Republic of Ireland, who started as one of the favourites, before playing and beating Switzerland 3-0, Cymru Dragons 2-1 and Frorvik (Scotland) 2-0. What a start! 4 wins and 5 points clear at the start. Day 2 started with a tense 1-1 draw against Sealand, before beating Northern Ireland 2-1 and Celtic Nations 1-0. This matched England against Republic of Ireland, old rivals and friends, in the final and with England winning a hard-fought battle 1-0 to be crowned World Cup Champions! The team had worked hard overall several months to achieve this. In the words of England Manager Graham Liddiard: “On and off the pitch you were a credit to England Walking Football. A fantastic achievement and unbeaten and now Masters World Champions”.
Dave commented: “I was proud to represent both Coventry & District and SBIC walking football clubs and to play for England at such a elite event. Such an achievement to share with my family and friends and great memories for life. I feel so lucky to be able to play football at our age. And meeting up with friends from all nations plus making more new friends”.
Referees
Ken Badland joined an elite group of international referees and refereed over 25 games over the 4 days of the tournament. Ken commented: “After the waiting and training sessions with the England squads and getting used to the UEFA walking football rules it was with much excitement and anticipation that I headed to South Wales to officiate at the Masters World Cup. My accommodation was at Swansea university campus along with several other referees where we had a base to socialise and discuss our experiences. Over the next four days we refereed around 25 x20 minute games over all age groups of both men and women. I personally walked over 40 miles during the tournament!! I can honestly say that I enjoyed the experience immensely and I feel very proud to have been part of a quality team of people that received very positive feedback from all the nations that were represented. I was also proud to have worn my Coventry & District badges and must thank everyone at our club. who have supported and encouraged me in my journey so far. Hopefully this is only the beginning of a long international career going forward”.
Celtic Nationals over 60s
Tim Tyler and Richard Parker were called up to play for the over 60s Celtic Nationals.
Tim commented: “All the preparations and training done this was it, my first experience of a World Masters and it didn’t disappoint. I’d made the over 60’s Celtic Nationals squad and going to play (fingers crossed) on the biggest stage. Playing against Poland, Republic of Ireland, France, Afro-Caribbean & Northern Ireland, with some great football played, gave close results and was played in the right spirit. It was a great event and I met many old faces and also made many new friends, It was over too quick, but I was there and I did my best to mark “Mark Stein” (Chelsea / Luton ex pro) who was playing for the Caribbean. He didn’t score so I /we must of done ok!”.
Richard commented: “Taking the pitch alongside over 70 teams from 21 countries was an unforgettable milestone. Every match brought out intense competition, precise strategy, and that undeniable passion for the beautiful game - just played at our own pace! Beyond the tight fixtures and penalty drama, it was the incredible camaraderie and new global friendships off the pitch that reminded me why walking football is so special. Age is truly just a number when it comes to the fire for the game. A massive shoutout to my incredible teammates, our hard-working coaches, the amazing volunteers at Briton Ferry, and everyone who cheered us on! Great memories that will last a lifetime”.
Four days of walking football - over 70 teams from 21 countries - Coventry & District represented by Ken Badland, as one of the elite referees, and Dave Marriott, a world cup winner playing for the England over 65s and Tim Tyler and Richard Parker playing for the Celtic Nationals over 60s squad.
Photos here:
England Over 65s
England 65s played in 4 games on Day 1 (Friday 14th), with a tense opener winning 1-0 against the Republic of Ireland, who started as one of the favourites, before playing and beating Switzerland 3-0, Cymru Dragons 2-1 and Frorvik (Scotland) 2-0. What a start! 4 wins and 5 points clear at the start. Day 2 started with a tense 1-1 draw against Sealand, before beating Northern Ireland 2-1 and Celtic Nations 1-0. This matched England against Republic of Ireland, old rivals and friends, in the final and with England winning a hard-fought battle 1-0 to be crowned World Cup Champions! The team had worked hard overall several months to achieve this. In the words of England Manager Graham Liddiard: “On and off the pitch you were a credit to England Walking Football. A fantastic achievement and unbeaten and now Masters World Champions”.
Dave commented: “I was proud to represent both Coventry & District and SBIC walking football clubs and to play for England at such a elite event. Such an achievement to share with my family and friends and great memories for life. I feel so lucky to be able to play football at our age. And meeting up with friends from all nations plus making more new friends”.
Referees
Ken Badland joined an elite group of international referees and refereed over 25 games over the 4 days of the tournament. Ken commented: “After the waiting and training sessions with the England squads and getting used to the UEFA walking football rules it was with much excitement and anticipation that I headed to South Wales to officiate at the Masters World Cup. My accommodation was at Swansea university campus along with several other referees where we had a base to socialise and discuss our experiences. Over the next four days we refereed around 25 x20 minute games over all age groups of both men and women. I personally walked over 40 miles during the tournament!! I can honestly say that I enjoyed the experience immensely and I feel very proud to have been part of a quality team of people that received very positive feedback from all the nations that were represented. I was also proud to have worn my Coventry & District badges and must thank everyone at our club. who have supported and encouraged me in my journey so far. Hopefully this is only the beginning of a long international career going forward”.
Celtic Nationals over 60s
Tim Tyler and Richard Parker were called up to play for the over 60s Celtic Nationals.
Tim commented: “All the preparations and training done this was it, my first experience of a World Masters and it didn’t disappoint. I’d made the over 60’s Celtic Nationals squad and going to play (fingers crossed) on the biggest stage. Playing against Poland, Republic of Ireland, France, Afro-Caribbean & Northern Ireland, with some great football played, gave close results and was played in the right spirit. It was a great event and I met many old faces and also made many new friends, It was over too quick, but I was there and I did my best to mark “Mark Stein” (Chelsea / Luton ex pro) who was playing for the Caribbean. He didn’t score so I /we must of done ok!”.
Richard commented: “Taking the pitch alongside over 70 teams from 21 countries was an unforgettable milestone. Every match brought out intense competition, precise strategy, and that undeniable passion for the beautiful game - just played at our own pace! Beyond the tight fixtures and penalty drama, it was the incredible camaraderie and new global friendships off the pitch that reminded me why walking football is so special. Age is truly just a number when it comes to the fire for the game. A massive shoutout to my incredible teammates, our hard-working coaches, the amazing volunteers at Briton Ferry, and everyone who cheered us on! Great memories that will last a lifetime”.
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