Team Camden shines at Better Club Games 2025
This year’s Better Club Games, London’s flagship Festival of Active Ageing, once again brought together a record of just over 1,000 participants aged 60 and above from across London and the South East, all united by a passion for sport, wellbeing, and community spirit. The main event hosted by GLL at the iconic Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on October 1st, coincided with the International Day of Older Persons and celebrated physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social connection for older adults.
The Games included a variety of competitions held across September and early October with 20 different boroughs represented. Team Camden proudly entered in several sports including Swimming, Pickleball, Walking Football, Short Mat Bowls, Table Tennis, Short Tennis, and Badminton.
Timed Swim Event: Grit and Endurance
On 19th September at Britannia Leisure Centre, Camden faced tough competition from Hackney, Islington, and Waltham Forest in the Timed Swim event, where teams raced to complete as many laps as possible in 45 minutes. Despite last-minute drop-outs and travel complications leaving Camden with just two competitors, Peigi and Debbie who use Oasis Sports Centre as their swimming base rose to the challenge. Against larger teams, the two women demonstrated incredible determination and stamina, finishing second in their heat and sixth overall out of 20 teams! A true testament to the power of will over numbers.
Peigi, a butterfly swimmer with six decades of experience, reflected:
"I'm not as good as I used to be, but I love taking part still. I do it to show younger people that they can do whatever they put their mind to. If I can still swim at this age, then they can swim too."
Crystal Palace: Intense Matches and Walking Sports Triumphs
On 26th September, the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre hosted thrilling Walking Football and Pickleball competitions.
Camden’s Pickleball teams brought fierce competition to the courts. Julie and Fernando battled to reach the semi finals narrowly missing out on a place in the final and finishing in 4th place.
Camden’s Walking Football team; Jose, Niall, Sarj, Brian, Eenasul, and Louis showed great team chemistry and strategic play, securing a respectable 7th place in a very closely contested tournament. The players’ passion extended beyond the event, with friendly matches continuing long after the official games, embodying the camaraderie and love of sport that define Club Games.
Eenasul, who had never played football before, exemplified the spirit of the Games:
"I saw an email about the Better Club Games that peaked my interest, and when I saw they were looking for football players, I thought to myself, why not? In the end I loved every minute of it."
Copper Box Arena: Celebrating Active Ageing with Su Pollard
The Better Club Games 2025 culminated on 1st October at the Copper Box Arena, where legendary entertainer Su Pollard, an ambassador for active ageing, energized the crowd with stories from her career. Su’s involvement underscored the message that age is no barrier to new opportunities and active living.
At the main event, Camden’s teams competed in Short Mat Bowls, Table Tennis, Short Tennis, and Badminton, displaying skill, resilience and teamwork:
Short Mat Bowls: Led by Steve, the team adapted quickly to the precise and tactical nature of the game, finishing joint 7th.
Table Tennis: Shauna and John dazzled with lightning-fast rallies and a never-give-up attitude, also placing 7th.
Short Tennis: Two Camden teams excelled, with Norbert and his partner finishing mid-table, and Neil and Jas securing an impressive 3rd place Camden’s highest placement across all events.
Badminton: Both Camden pairs brought energy and precision, earning solid mid-table results.
The day closed with an awards ceremony with Team Camden finishing 8th and this year’s winners Croydon taking home the 2025 Better Club Games crown.
Interested in joining the fun?
Come and have a chat with us at reception or email Camden@gll.org about upcoming Seniors’ Club activities.