We are named finalists in The Cumbria Sports Awards 2026 for our Cumbrian Senior Club Games in the Community Project of the Year Award 2026 sponsored by New Balance

The inaugural Cumbrian Senior Club Games took place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2025 at The Sands Centre, Carlisle. The event welcomed nearly 80 senior participants from across Cumberland, representing teams from The Sands Centre, Workington, Whitehaven, and Cockermouth. 
 
Across the two days, participants enjoyed 17 activities ranging from pickleball, table tennis, badminton, carpet bowls, scavenger hunts, boccia, new age kurling, scrabble, water polo, swimming, quiz, scrabble, dominoes, and fitness challenges, finishing with a medal and shield presentation.  Overall winners this year were Carlisle. 

The Games were more than just competition – they embodied community, connection, and inclusion. Social bonds were strengthened as seniors mixed across teams, with some joining together to make up numbers – fostering a spirit of friendship and collaboration. Many participants reported that the event was “the best thing they had attended in years”, underlining the powerful social and wellbeing impact of group activities. 

The Morganellas Catering buffet provided a fantastic, shared experience, allowing participants to relax and socialise between events. 

Activities supported physical activity, mobility, and cognitive engagement, aligned with the Live Longer Better in Cumberland strategy. The programme encouraged inclusive participation, with sports and games adaptable for all ability levels. 
Feedback highlighted improved confidence, reduced social isolation, and a sense of purpose among seniors. 

A highlight of the weekend was welcoming Lauren Smith, elite badminton player, 2014 Commonwealth Games – Bronze & Silver medals in women’s doubles 2016 Rio Olympics representing Team GB.  Lauren presented the individual medals and the team shield to winners, providing inspiration and prestige to the event. 

The success of the Games is built upon the foundation of the Senior Activities Programme, launched in 2023 at The Sands Centre. 

The programme has grown steadily in numbers and reach, offering weekly physical and social activities tailored to older adults. 

The Games represent the next stage – moving from regular activity sessions into larger community-wide celebrations, amplifying the impact. 

The event demonstrates how GLL and Cumberland Council are delivering on the Live Longer Better strategy, tackling health inequalities and promoting active, healthier ageing. 

The success of the 1st Cumbrian Senior Club Games was made possible through the generous support of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), administered by Cumberland Council. 

The UKSPF, which includes the Rural England Prosperity Fund, is designed to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. The Senior Club Games 2025 received £5,000 in funding, covering essential costs including: 
Facility hire, Transport for teams travelling from across Cumberland, Awards, medals, and event t-shirts.  Digital marketing and promotion. Catering support.  

This financial backing was critical, ensuring the event could be delivered at scale, inclusively, and free at the point of access for senior participants. Without this support, many of the logistical and operational elements – such as travel for participants from Whitehaven, Workington, and Cockermouth – would not have been possible. 

The funding support has laid the foundations for the Games to become an annual celebration, further embedding the Senior Activities Programme within the Live Longer Better in Cumberland strategy and ensuring long-term community impact. 

Testamonials 

Today has been fun, to my surprise- I have tried out new things- the staff are wonderful and it’s been really enjoyable and a nice change - Elaine, 70, Team Whitehaven.  
 
Great day brilliant trying new sports, staff and fabulous, and it’s been lovely to meet people from other sports centres. Delicious lunch - Bernadette - 66, Team Whitehaven.  
 
Staff are helpful, nice to meet different people, good buffet and I’m enjoying myself - Jean 75, Team Whitehaven.  
 
Meeting other people and having a laugh- playing games I wouldn’t ordinarily play. Unbelievable friendship. Everyone is enjoying themselves and that is what matters - Richard, 68, Team Carlisle.  
 
Facilities great, wonderful staff- food is great- really good day out - James, 65,  Team Workington.  
 
We’re having fun, it’s very friendly, good mix of sports, nice to try new things, looking forward to next time, not intimidating because everyone is about the same age - Kathy, 60, Team Cockermouth.  
 
Brilliant day enjoyed it- well organized brilliant- we'll will be back - John, 65 and Kevin 72, Team Carlisle.  
 
Great day, thoroughly enjoyable and we hope more people from across Cumberland join next time - Jill, 67, Team Carlisle. 
 
I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Can’t wait for next year - Phil 65, Workington. 
 
Best part of the day was the company; great it was funded. - Sue, 69.  
 
Fab day, I can’t talk I’m exhausted. I’ve enjoyed the whole day. Meeting different people and interacting with people. - Marjory, 66.