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.”
Better Club Games
Waltham Forest's Trial dates
Timed Swim
We actively recruiting anyone eligible who can swim in the medium or fast lane. We are looking for 4-6 people to take part in a 45 minute swimming event. It is a team relay event at Britannia Leisure Centre (N1 5FT) on Thursday 18th September at 10am.
Trials at Chingford Leisure Centre, Friday 5th September, 9am to 10am and Leytonstone Leisure Centre, Monday 8th September 9am-10am.
Walking Football
There is free walking football in partnership with Leyton Orient Walking Football Club at Score Leisure Centre on Wednesdays from 11am-12pm. If you want to take part on the 26th September at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre please attend the trial on 10th September. If you are unable to attend the trial but want to be considered please complete the quick form at the bottom of this article.
Walking Netball
We are actively looking for eligible players who have any netball experience to ensure we can field a team. Anyone with some interest please contact Daniel.Bank@GLL.ORG. Free trial at Score Leisure Centre on Wednesday 10th September 12pm-1pm. Training will be arranged with players and we will be planning a new, regular ongoing session. Tournament is on 26th September at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
Pickleball (mixed doubles)
Trial on Tuesday 9th September at Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre from 10am to 12pm. We need more players to enter the two mixed double teams. If available please attend the trial or complete the form at the bottom of this article.
Main event (7 activities taking place)
Copper Box Arena (Olympic Park)1st October
10am to 4pm (activity depending)
Darts (team)
Training to be arranged directly with those who have registered interest.
Dominoes
Training/trial- 12th September at Nexus Community Centre- 6pm til late. £2 entry
Short Mat Bowls
Trial: Friday 12th September 10.30am-12.30pm Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre (E17 3BL)
Price: £3.35
Timed Cycle (team)
Training to be arranged directly with those who have registered interest.
Short Tennis (mixed doubles)
Trial: Monday 8th September, Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre 11am-1pm
Price: £3.35
Badminton (mixed doubles)
Trial: Tuesday 9th Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre 10am-12pm
Price: £3.35
Table Tennis (mixed doubles)
Trial: Friday 5th September Chingford Leisure Centre and Wednesday 10th Chingford Leisure Centre.
Price: £2.95
Interested participants can complete this quick form and any questions please email Daniel.Bank@GLL.ORG