Waltham Forest Recruiting For Better Club Games

Waltham Forest are looking for participants aged 60 or over in a range of activities to take part in fun, friendly competitions against other partnerships with Better leisure centres.

If you want to be considered for selection or know where you can socially participate in the older adult activities, please email Daniel.Bank@GLL.ORG at your earliest convivence. To find out more information on Better Club Games click onto the link in the word website.    

If you want to cheer on the ‘green army’ for £2 spectators can watch the final day on Wednesday, 1st October at Copper Box Arena in the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London with 8 sports occurring and it will be hosted by celebrity Su Pollard. 
Pollard says: “I’m so excited to be joining the Better Club Games this year and showing the world that older people can keep fit and enjoy ‘Hi-de-Hi’ jinks as much as the youngsters!” 

The three-day competitive event comprises a variety of indoor sports including timed cycle challenges, walking football, walking netball, pickleball, short mat bowls, badminton, short tennis, table tennis, timed swimming, darts and dominoes. 

Dates for the diary are 18th September, timed swim, 26th September, walking sports and pickleball, and 1st October for the Better Club Games Main Event.  
Timed Swim requires a team of 4 to 6 swimmers taking turns to swim lengths over a 45-minute duration and is one of the activities that Team Waltham Forest are actively recruiting for. If you know of anyone who would be a good participant, please encourage them to apply.  

Better Club Games was formed in 2006 and has been growing since. Last year, 22 teams took part in the flagship event based in London, and following the success of the Manchester Club Games, this year more parts of the UK will be hosting Regional Club Games competitions.     

In 2024, Team Waltham Forest were 2nd place in the overall table, and this is supported by a wide range of older adult activities in the Better leisure centres across the borough. 

Daniel Bank, GLL Community Sports Manager, says: “The Waltham Forest team came second in the Club Games in 2024, so we have our eyes on the top prize this year! We already have a strong team in place although we do need more swimmers, female table tennis players and walking netballers. 

“We know that active ageing helps promote good physical health and mental health and combats social isolation and the Club Games are a great opportunity for older people to come together in a social and friendly environment and play competitive sport.   

“Over the years, the Club Games have proved that you are never too old to have some rivalrous fun. It’s great to see older adults competing against each other – and smiling whilst doing it – and it’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and represent your local area. You don’t have to be world-class at any of the activities to join in, just reasonably good and willing to try your best.” 

Interested participants can pass their details to reception at their local Better centre in Waltham Forest or email Daniel.Bank@GLL.ORG