Croydon Crowned Better Club Games Champions for Second Consecutive Year
Croydon's older residents have once again been crowned champions of the Better Club Games, successfully defending their title and securing a second consecutive victory in the UK's largest celebration of active ageing.
The 2026 Better Club Games Finals took place at the Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on the 21st October, bringing together 23 teams from across London, the South East and the Midlands. More than 1,000 participants took part across the competition, making it one of the most fiercely contested events in the Better sporting calendar.
This year's Team Croydon featured a record 80 participants and supporters, with residents representing the borough across all 11 sports featured in the Games. Competitors took part in Badminton, Table Tennis, Short Mat Bowls, Timed Cycle, Short Tennis, Dominoes, Darts, Walking Football, Walking Netball, Pickleball and Swimming.
The competition was staged across a series of events during September and October, culminating in the National Finals at the Copper Box Arena, where around 50 Team Croydon participants and supporters came together for the main event.
The teams were roared on by The Better Club Games' 'Older People's Ambassador', Cheryl Baker, formerly of 80s pop combo 'Bucks Fizz', who opened the event, tried her hand at the sports and presided over the medal ceremony.
Cheryl, who was born in east London's Bethnal Green, close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has enjoyed an active lifestyle and lists running, playing tennis and table tennis among her favourite activities.
She commented: "The Better Club Games are so inspiring - there are so many people here defying their age!
"I didn't expect to see so many people from all over taking part. It sends a message to those who think it's too late to take up sport - it's never too late to get out, meet people and be active."
Team Croydon's participants are recruited through weekly sport and physical activity programmes delivered across Better leisure centres and community sports clubs throughout Croydon. Hundreds of older residents take part in regular activities including swimming, racket sports, walking sports, fitness classes and the popular Senior Multi-Sport Sessions at Thornton Heath Leisure Centre.
Many members of Team Croydon first discovered the Club Games through these local sessions, which provide opportunities to stay active, make new friends and even represent the borough in competition.
Barbara, who leads the Senior Multi-Sport Programme at Thornton Heath Leisure Centre, said:
"Retaining the title is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the commitment, enthusiasm and team spirit shown by everyone involved.
Our Senior Multi-Sport sessions and exercise classes continue to grow in popularity, with more residents enjoying the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of staying active. We'd love to welcome even more people to come along, give it a go and see what's on offer."Philip Donnay, GLL's CEO, said:
"Congratulations to this year's winners, Team Croydon, and all those across our centres nationally who took part.
The Better Club Games is a friendly competition with a simple but important purpose at its heart: helping older people remain active, connected and involved in their communities.
As a charitable social enterprise, GLL believes in supporting physical health and mental wellbeing while helping to tackle social isolation.
Coming at a time when there is growing national momentum for senior participation in sport, we and our Council partners are committed to supporting active ageing."
The Better Club Games, often referred to as the "Older People's Olympics", was first launched in 2006 and brings together older adults from across the country to celebrate active ageing through sport, physical activity and social connection.
Residents interested in joining Croydon's senior sport and physical activity programmes are encouraged to visit their local Better leisure centre and give a session a try. Whether it's the Senior Multi-Sport Sessions at Thornton Heath, a fitness class, swimming session, walking football group, a local community sports club, or one of the many other activities on offer, there are opportunities for people of all abilities to get active, meet new people and enjoy the benefits of staying active.
2026 Better Club Games Final Standings
1st Croydon
2nd Waltham Forest
3rd Greenwich
4th Mole Valley
5th Hackney
For more information about Better's senior activity programmes in Croydon, visit www.better.org.uk/croydon or speak to staff at your local Better leisure centre.