parkinsons team at wembley

England Parkinson's Walking Football team get special Wembley invite

Stuart Carrington and John Roche were special guests of FA Chair Debbie Hewitt at the recent international friendly between England and Australia.

Liverpool FA's Football Development Officer (Inclusion), Stuart Carrington, and his England Parkinson's Walking Football colleague John Roche were personally invited by FA Chair Debbie Hewitt as her guests in the Royal Box at Wembley for the England v Australia game.

john and stuart

Before the game, Debbie gave a speech to all the VIP guests at the game to congratulate Stuart and John on their hard work.

"Stu Carrington, the Inclusion Officer at Liverpool Football Association, is here tonight with John Roche," she said.

"John started off the idea of having an England Parkinson's Walking Football team of people with Parkinson's.

"Earlier this year, Stu led the Parkinson England Walking Football Team to win a tournament in Singapore. During that tournament, the team faced jetlag, 35-degree heat, a seven-hour tournament, a torrential downpour and lightning storm warnings with a 90 minute delay in playing. Most players would be thrown by these hurdles, but this was even more daunting for Parkinson Disability players who are trying to balance their medications during the day to help them play - but play they did.

"They won all three of their games, scoring 12 and conceding none - all against able-bodied Walking football teams.

"The team led superbly and compassionately by Stu.

"Stu and John thank you."

After the game, Stuart reflected on his experience at Wembley.

"Both John and I had an amazing time and really appreciated Debbie's offer to share the Royal box experience - it's something we will treasure for the rest of our lives," he said.

"Debbie's speech was incredibly humbling both the team and I are very grateful.

"We hope to bring more magical experiences to our England Parkinson's Walking Football Team."

You can read more about the team's triumph in Singapore here.

Glasgow triumph

The Liverpool-based Northern Lights Parkinson's Walking Football team were also recently in Glasgow for a competition, which they won.

Watch the video below to find out more about Northern Lights.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in getting involved with Parkinson's football, please contact Stuart on Stuart.Carrington@LiverpoolFA.com