Events

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 20^th July 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 Professional Footballer’s Association (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.”

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.”

Watch a rousing rendition by the competing teams of “Sweet Caroline” at the end of the video overview here https://vimeo.com/1103070591

Saturday 5^th July 2025

A group of eight children who are regularly coached by Leeta through the Jason Roberts Foundation’s (JRF) Tennis programme, were treated to a trip to the Wimbledon Championships on Saturday, thanks to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) donating ten tickets to the charity group, through StreetGames as part of the LTA Serves programme.

Tennis coaches Leeta and Rui accompanied the children to Court No. 2 where, throughout the day they enjoyed being amongst the throng of spectators of the Ladies singles match, Men’s singles, and Men’s doubles, where British duo Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash went through to the second round after they beat American Vasil Kirkov and Dutchman Bart Stevens in straight sets.

The children who live in Brent, would not ordinarily have the opportunity to play tennis however, several years ago, Leeta raised money to start a tennis group through the JRF, and after receiving her tennis coaching qualification, Leeta has expanded the programme into local schools as well as at the JRF hub.

The lucky group who enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to the Wimbledon Championships train with Leeta most weeks, and two of them have now won scholarships with a tennis club and coach.

In addition to the matches on Court No 2, the children were able to visit Centre Court and enjoyed some themed activities, as well as a bite to eat at a local restaurant, before journeying home in the JRF minibus.

Leeta commented; “Thanks to StreetGames providing local groups with tickets donated through the LTA Serves programme, the children were given the opportunity to connect with the world of elite tennis, adding great value to community initiatives. It has certainly inspired them to keep practicing and perhaps in the future, we will see one or two of them competing in the Championship.”

From the smiles on the children’s faces and their enthusiastic recollection of the matches they watched, it was clearly an unforgettable day at one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar.

Enjoy a video overview of the day here https://vimeo.com/1100014235

View the video overview of all the Events & Activities that have taken place during June at the JRF!

Friday 20^th June 2025

The Players’ Project Pilot supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association, continued its powerful community journey with a memorable visit to Lyon Park Primary School, where football legend and former England international Rachel Yankey spent the day inspiring young people from four local schools.

Excitement filled the air as both boys and girls eagerly gathered on the pitch, thrilled to meet Rachel. The day began with Rachel warmly greeting the students, offering words of encouragement focused on one simple but powerful message: have fun.

One of the day’s standout moments came when Coach Annis a current PE teacher from Elsley Primary school approached Rachel with a story. He shared that, nearly two decades ago, he had been a participant in one of Rachel’s sessions at Mitchell Brook Primary School. With some hesitation, he asked if she remembered him and to everyone’s delight, Rachel did. It was a full-circle moment that reflected the long-lasting impact of community engagement and mentorship.

From there, the tournament kicked off. With many of the teams proudly wearing kits, given to them by the Premier League, the competition was high. Great goals, impressive skills, and strong teamwork were on full display. Rachel was actively engaged on the sidelines, applauding the young players and celebrating the spirit of the game. She highlighted how encouraging it was to see both boys’ and girls’ teams out on the pitch playing together, having fun, and showing respect.

The day concluded with an inspiring Q&A session led by Rachel and a group of young girls. The questions were thoughtful and mature, ranging from “What were some setbacks you faced?” to “What made you fall in love with football?” Rachel answered each with honesty, offering the girls valuable insights and encouragement.

We then caught up with a group of girls from Lyon Park Primary who shared how impactful it was to meet someone like Rachel. They spoke about how she gave them belief in themselves, and how inspiring it was to have a professional footballer someone from their own community visit and speak directly to them.

To close, Sean Moran, Assistant Head Teacher at Lyon Park, reflected on the day:

“It’s so important for our young people to meet someone like Rachel, someone who grew up locally, shares their background, and has achieved so much. It shows them what’s possible. Today was a great day for all the schools involved.”

From inspiration to action, this player-led initiative continues to put young people at the heart of everything, not just through presence, but through purpose. Each visit, each conversation, and each activity is shaped by the players themselves, their ideas, their experiences, and their desire to give back to their community.

Wednesday 18^th June 2025

What a day it was as The Players’ Project Pilot continued its powerful journey, this time with Zesh Rehman and 17-year-old Yahya Idrissi stepping into the heart of the local community at Bridgestone Arena to connect with over 100 young people through football, conversation, and shared experience.

The Players’ Project Pilot which is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) aims to build stronger connections between players, communities and football clubs by putting players at the heart of local projects that help tackle inequalities, raise aspirations, develop thriving communities, and inspire positive change.

For Zesh, the moment held deeper meaning. “It’s been almost 20 years to the day that I used to come here for pre-season,” he reflected. “Now I get to pass that energy on.” A full circle moment for the former Premier League defender, whose journey from local pitches to the highest level has paved the way for the next generation.

Alongside him was Yahya Idrissi, a rising talent at just 17, who took time out of his own pre-season to engage with the youth, not just with advice, but on the pitch too. He jumped into 1v1s, took part in challenges, and gave the young people someone they could relate to, both as a player and as a person navigating the journey they’re just beginning.

The day also gave us the chance to meet Yahya’s father, Abdul, who spoke with pride and purpose about how vital it is for players to stay connected with their communities, not just for the benefit of the young people, but for the players themselves. “It keeps them grounded,” he shared. “It reminds them who they’re doing it for.”

Also present was Riz Rehman, PFA Player Inclusion Executive, who reinforced the importance of players staying active in their communities. He spoke on how the foundation provides a safe, trusted space for meaningful interaction, a place where young people can feel seen and supported, and where players can give back in ways that go beyond football.

 It was a chance for the next generation to see what’s possible, both on and off the pitch.

The evening wrapped up with some well-earned pizza for the young people, a simple but fitting way to end the day.

Attached below is the video recapping the day 

Sunday 15^th June 2025

On the back of the success of the first Cultural Cohesion Community Day hosted by the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) in partnership with Brent Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government the second event on Father’s Day didn’t disappoint as the community came together in good spirits to share outdoor spaces, laughter and movement.

Over three hundred local residents of all ages joined together at Bridgestone Arena on a sunny June afternoon celebrating integration of different cultures and ethnicities.

Once again there was a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy including multi-sports such as tennis, teqball, football with the FA, and cricket, Bollywood style dance performances and dance workshops with Hillside Performing Arts, self-defence interactive demonstrations, face painting, trampolining, and a gladiator style inflatable challenge.

For those wanting a more relaxed afternoon there were head massages and reflexology on offer, as well as community health checks supported by Brent Health Matters.

Music was provided by Phoenix Rising a steel pan band, and resident DJ Jamo Beatz entertained the crowds, and again there were a wide range of cuisines on offer.

The two Community days were an opportunity to showcase Brent’s diversity by highlighting and celebrating the rich variety of cultures that make up the community.

As one attendee said, “There’s a real diversity of cultures here today. It’s a good opportunity to interact and learn from each other.”

Another agreed saying, “It’s not often that you get so many communities, even those living in the same area, together all at once. Events like this are really important to build community cohesion.”

Seeing the smiles and hearing the conversation and laughter during the day, it’s clear that Brent Council’s initiative to bring communities closer together through events like this is a recipe for success.

The May sun has shone on all the events and activities that have taken place over the last month.

Funfair trip

Our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities had an exciting trip to the funfair and enjoyed rides on the cup & saucers, dodgem cars, flying planes on the merry-go-round, and on the inflatable slide, amongst others.

It was clear from the big smiles on their faces they loved every moment.

First Cultural Cohesion Community Day

The first Cultural Cohesion Community Day, in partnership with Brent Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government took place on Sunday 11^th May.

The intergenerational Family Day offered a wide range of inclusive sport, fitness activities, and games, an array of cuisines from around the world, music and dancing, and a live steel drum band.

There certainly was something for everyone. It really was a day of community, togetherness, and harmony.

Theatre trip & half term fun

The ongoing collaboration project with JRF, Us Charity, and Alperton Community School supported by John Lyon’s Charity saw the girls travel to the West End in London and enjoy a theatre performance of Michael Jackson, the Musical. This was the first time many of the girls had been to the theatre, and they clearly enjoyed this new experience.

During the May half term, the girls were put through their paces with an action-packed day of sports and fitness activities including bike riding lessons, cricket, self-defence, and dance classes – which included a few of Michael Jacksons moves!

Launch of the Players’ Project Pilot

JRF Founder Jason Roberts, MBE made a special visit to Bridgestone Arena for the launch of a new initiative – the Players’ Project Pilot supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballer’s Association.

Fellow former professional players DJ Campbell, Jamie Lawrence, and Mark Stein joined Jason, and they all answered questions and gave sound advice to the young audience who attended the event.

All of these events have been captured in this video montage by our young Media Man – Marley https://vimeo.com/1092087811

Enjoy!

Sunday 11^th May 2025

On a bright, sunny Sunday the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) team welcomed over five hundred local residents of all ages to Bridgestone Arena for the first Cultural Cohesion Community Day, in partnership with Brent Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

The intergenerational Family Day offered a wide range of inclusive sport, fitness activities, and games, an array of cuisines from around the world, music and dancing, and a live steel drum band.

This first of two Community days was an opportunity to showcase Brent’s diversity by highlighting and celebrating the rich variety of cultures that make up the community.

From massages to reflexology, face painting and bouncy castles in the Kids Zone, Steel bands to youth football, and the FA and QPR running sessions for girls’ development, everyone from age five to elders, the community spirit shone through as participants basked in the May sunshine.

The large crowd enjoyed the Brazilian churros, and açai and Jamaican Patties were sensational as was the contribution from local independent businesses from different nationalities who set up stalls and offered services on the day.

On the court there was basketball, tennis, and athletics taster sessions, whilst on the pitch the youth ran their own football tournament, and the men came together for Walking Football. Meanwhile the women and girls engaged themselves in movement, culture, and sport and the children fully immersed themselves in the atmosphere of the day of celebration.

Otis Roberts, CEO of the Jason Roberts Foundation said; “These events aim to strengthen bonds between diverse groups, encourage mutual respect, and promote cohesion. The aim for Brent Council and JRF is to create a vibrant, supportive atmosphere for all families in Brent. Judging by the smiles and laughter of the people here today we hope this event has helped to achieve that.”

NOTE: The second Cultural Cohesion Community Day is scheduled for Sunday 15^th June. Look out for further information via www.jasonrobertsfoundation.com and social media #JasonRobertsFdn

Photo credit: Buky Taiwo Photography buky.taiwo@btinternet.com 07956847324