Success at the first Club Games in York!
York’s first Better Club Games 2025 took place on Wednesday 1st October at York Leisure Centre. The event took place on the International Day of Older People and also brought our support of the York Older People’s Assembly 50+ Festival to a close. The theme for 2025’s IDOP is Building Belonging: Celebrating the Power of Our Social Connections and that was a fitting theme for the first Games in York, bringing together people aged 60+ from across York including members and non-members.
2025 also marks the 19th anniversary of the Better Club Games in London, which is a flagship celebration of active ageing. First launched in 2006 and reinstated in 2023 post-Covid, the Games bring together customers aged 60+ from across London and beyond. The Games highlight the importance of active ageing, with clear benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing, and tackling social isolation. 2025 has seen the launch of a number of Regional Games to extend the celebration across the country.
Key Highlights – York Games 2025
- 27 participants came together for the first Games in York, competing in 4 sports.
- Timed Swim, Timed Cycle and Walking Netball took place in the morning session. Timed Cycle and Pickleball took place in the afternoon session.
- The event was delivered by the York Community Sports Manager and supported by the Healthwise Team, centre staff and England Netball.
- Better members and non-members came together from across York and nearby Pocklington to take part. Including members of York’s 3 Senior Club Sessions and Walking Netball session.
- Age UK York donated Innocent Smoothies to the event participants as part of their Silver Sunday – promoting communities coming together and taking part in activities.
Results:
As York’s event was an intra-partnership competition; winners were individuals or teams.
Timed Swim: Mark Harney (1800m)
Timed Cycle: Dave Scoreby and Steve Calpin (16.8km)
Walking Netball: Team Green (Lesley Beckwith, Debra Miles, Gill Clapham, Christine Ellis, Liz Buckles, Sarah Lockwood and Mick Strodder)
Pickleball: Mark Harney and David Vipas.
Acknowledgements
This event would not have been possible without the combined efforts of:
Natalie Thomas, Community Sports Manager
York Heathwise Team
York Leisure Centre team
Photography by Richard Gatecliffe
The National Community Sport Manager team for their valued support and guidance
Local Impact
Feedback was gathered from the participants; complimenting the organisation of the event, the fun and enjoyable experience, meeting new people, and looking forward to next year!
“Thank you! It has been a great day – very well organised, great fun and very good natured. It’s been good to chat with others when we don’t normally get the chance to and get to know each other a bit more. It has also made us learn the rules and play better which is better for our safety and enjoyment.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the tournament! Enjoyed the competition and being part of a team. Natalie has done her utmost to organise the event, even though it’s her first one. She needs commendation for her organisations skills and bringing this tournament together. Well done to all of the rest of the Better Team who have helped out too. The refreshments were amazing and the warm up also. Credit to York Better! Thank you!”
In summary, 2025 has seen an increase in the active participation of seniors across York in our Senior Club Sessions and Walking Netball session. The sessions have seen social communities develop that have been key to the success of the first York Club Games. Throughout the day the participants competed with a smile and enjoyed the competition as friends.
Thank you to everyone involved for making York’s first Club Games an outstanding success.