Former Ballymena Utd and Crusaders manager Roy Walker to share life story at Ballymena Elim Church

Ballymena Elim Church is set to host a special evening of reflection and inspiration this weekend as former Ballymena United and Crusaders manager Roy Walker shares his life story with the local community.

The latest instalment of the church’s Life Stories series will take place on Sunday 25 January at 6:30pm, offering the opportunity to hear first-hand from one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable sporting figures.

Roy Walker is widely known across Northern Ireland’s sporting, business and church circles, having enjoyed a distinguished career both on and off the pitch. He played football at the highest level and went on to manage several Irish League teams, most notably Crusaders FC, where he led the club to league title success.

That Crusaders side became affectionately known by supporters as the ‘God Squad’, a reflection not only of their achievements on the field but also the strong sense of faith and unity that characterised the team during that era.

Beyond football management, Roy Walker also built a career in sports media, spending time with both the BBC and Sky as a sports reporter. He is now the owner of a number of outdoor media companies, underlining a professional life marked by variety and success across several sectors.

Despite those achievements, organisers say the focus of Sunday evening will be on the personal journey that has shaped Walker’s life beyond public recognition.

Since coming to faith in Jesus Christ, his ultimate passion has been to share God’s Word, a commitment he continues to live out as a member of Wellington Presbyterian Church.

Ballymena Elim Church says the event is open to everyone, regardless of background or beliefs, and is intended to be welcoming and accessible to the wider community.

Pastor Pip Kerr, pictured with wife Rachel

Pastor Pip Kerr, Ballymena Elim Church, extended a warm invitation ahead of the event, saying:

“This will be a cracking evening and we just want to extend a warm welcome to the local community. You would all be so welcome to come and hear Roy’s inspiring life story.”

The Life Stories evenings are designed to highlight real-life experiences that resonate beyond church walls, and organisers believe Roy Walker’s story — spanning elite sport, media, business and faith — will strike a chord with many across Ballymena and further afield.