He managed the Vancouver Whitecaps to an NASL championship, and was in charge of the Canada national team, when they qualified for the 1986 World Cup, which is their first appearance in the tournament.

[1][2] Waiters began his career as an amateur with Northern League club Bishop Auckland, moving to Macclesfield Town in 1958.

[3] The same year, he was spotted by Blackpool manager Ron Suart and signed to replace the aging George Farm.

He won five England caps in 1964, as Alf Ramsey sought a backup for Gordon Banks with the 1966 World Cup imminent.

Waiters began coaching with the England national youth side and led them to a European Championship held in Italy (1973).

He took over the Whitecaps midway through the 1977 season and in 1979 led them to an upset of the New York Cosmos en route to victory in Soccer Bowl '79, the NASL championship.

Waiters continued to coach children and young adults, helping them pursue their soccer goals and moulding players for the future.