Robert, who has been a member of our club since February 2018, featured in a news story in Kent Online titled “Canterbury veteran proves you’re never too old to play the beautiful game” – all because he is still playing football at 90! (Read the online article here).
Thought to be Kent’s oldest footballer, Robert always smiles broadly when talking of his footballing exploits. He is a former professional footballer who once played for Bristol Rovers. He then became a Football Association coach and travelled across Europe to the Middle East and Africa with his work; he was presented with a lifetime football achievement award for his services to the game.
Robert’s remarkable career has also seen him at different times serving in the armed forces, importing Porsche cars, and working as a cruise ship entertainer! He was awarded a gold medal for his service in Korea (where his regiment, the 1st Royal Tank Regiment [1 RTR], helped repel communist forces during the Korean war).
Robert joined the Canterbury club after moving near the cricket ground where the club happens to meet. He’d previously enjoyed several years at the Rochester club. He says he still plays football regularly with Canterbury Mariners Walking Football Club – when Rotary and a variety of other interests don’t keep him busy!
Picture: Robert, pictured with then President Sharon Jordan during his induction in 2018. Picture credit: The Rotary Club of Canterbury.
