For most non-league footballers, a typical week revolves around work shifts, training and match days. For others, it can include an occasional trip to the far side of the world.
So far in 2025, over 100 players from Step 5 and below have represented a diverse array of countries in the lower half of the FIFA World rankings, ranging from the Caribbean to Sri Lanka and Fiji. This stems from several players playing in the National League, right down to a few clubs in the eleventh tier of English football.
One of those players is Grenada’s Parish Muirhead, who made his international debut this summer, playing in the qualifying rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 24-year-old midfielder currently plays for Sussex-based Isthmian Premier League side Lewes, having recently moved from Carshalton Athletic, in the seventh tier.
Getting the call
Opportunities for non-league players to play at an international level have increased over the years, as overseas associations widen their nets in the search for players already within a competitive football pyramid who may be eligible through family. That was the case for Parish, whose mother and grandma both grew up in Grenada.
“I was contacted years ago via my old Millwall coach – Grenada’s FA had spoken to him. The aim was to play in an under-19 CONCACAF tournament for Grenada, but it fell through as my paperwork did not go through in time”.
The first senior call-up finally came this year as Grenada faced two World Cup qualifiers against the Bahamas and Saint Kitts & Nevis. Despite two victories, the nation ranked 168th in the world narrowly missed out on advancing via goal-difference behind Trinidad & Tobago.
Climate factor
While football is a universal game, Parish acknowledges that the main difference between his club and country matches involves the climate. “The tempo is slower playing in the Caribbean, but the main reason for this is the heat in the countries you’re playing in. You have to pick your moments wisely, when to make your runs. The overall quality, however, I’d say is higher, as a lot of countries include senior professionals who have had long and crazy careers with successful teams.”
The nation was most recently managed by Terry Connor, a recognisable figure in the English game, having played almost 400 games in the 1980s and 1990s, most notably for Leeds and Brighton. He also had a brief spell as manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2012. He is one of several former Premier League faces to have tested their skills with international sides in the Caribbean, alongside ex-Jamaica manager Steve McLaren and Dwight Yorke, who is in charge of Trinidad & Tobago. Infrastructures and coaching are improving as nations further down the rankings try to bridge the gap to the elite.
“The setup in Grenada is very good,” explained Parish. “I can only speak positively of it. The equipment is good, the pitch was of very good quality, and the coaching staff definitely had great experience. They were quite up to date in terms of tactics and knowledge.”
Work-life balance
With more hopes on the horizon for further call-ups, Parish plays alongside fellow non-league teammates Kayden Harrack (Dagenham & Redbridge), Roman Charles-Cook (Dover) & Jermaine Francis (Hartlepool United). With a 10/11 hour flight at least to the island nation located just over 100 miles north of Venezuela, more established internationals can get used to the demands of balancing both travelling and home life. Newly capped Parish, however, has no concerns at the moment.
“The balance was quite easy for me to be fair, as I do not currently work. It resolves nicely as I am quite free throughout the day, which has allowed me to fly there and back without any hassle. Also, I didn’t miss any club football as the qualifiers were at the end of the regular season in England, so that also was a bonus.”
National pride
One thing clear is that the chance to play for your country at any level resonates with an immense amount of pride. Not just the opportunity to take part in the early stages and be involved in one of the greatest sporting tournaments in the world, but also playing for your family’s heritage.
“I genuinely cannot describe the feeling. It hits you once you hear the national anthem playing and you can see all the families and locals in the crowd cheering you on and playing their instruments. Also, knowing I’m representing the place where my mum and nan grew up made me feel so fulfilled and proud to put a smile on their faces. It was the most surreal feeling.”
Parish added, “Making my debut for them is easily the best moment of my career so far. I had my family in the crowd as well, my mum flew out to watch, and that feeling will be very hard to match.”
The midfielder also bagged his first international senior goal last week, during an action-packed international break, scoring the opener in a 4-1 win over US Virgin Islands.
