Hackney's New Age Games programme

Our Active Communities funding schemes support people of all ages and backgrounds to be active in Lee Valley Regional Park by removing the barriers of cost of travel or coaching.

We’re delighted to support Hackney Council’s New Age Games Programme with funding for weekly tennis sessions at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

The group aged 50+ attend coached sessions which are an important part of their weekly exercise routine and are good for their mental as well as physical wellbeing. Valney, 81, discovered a passion for tennis later in life when he joined the New Age Tennis programme.

Thank you to Hackney Council for sharing his story.

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Valney grew up on the Island of Saint Vincent in the Caribbean, which provided him with an upbringing of playing freely and eating fresh food from the land. Valney recognises that this helped structure his thinking as an adult to the importance of health and wellbeing. “My mum always said to me your health is your wealth.”

In 1961, Valney moved from his home island at the age of 17 to England (High Wycombe) to enrol on a City & Guilds course in carpentry. He qualified as a carpenter and joiner before later changing careers to work on the buses. He moved to Hackney over 50 years ago to be with his future wife Gwendoline, with whom in 2024 he celebrated their Golden Anniversary.

Why did you join the New Age Games programme? 

“My wife saw an article in the newspaper and mentioned that tennis was on the programme. Gwendoline knew that I had always wanted to play tennis.

I found the first session very difficult as I didn’t know anything about the sport. But I have been helped by coaches Paul and Justina and my peers.

After Covid my passion for tennis grew further. The coaches provide good instruction and keep you engaged with different drills.

Has your lifestyle changed in any way? 

“Yes, I started at the age of 70 and it has enhanced my desire to get fitter. Tennis gives me a purpose to get out of bed, it helps me 110%. I have incorporated doing an hour of stretching and mobilisation at home before I play tennis (three times per week).”

I am more confident now and I can relate to people better. At the age of 81, tennis makes me feel good. It helps my cognitive wellbeing and I’m always smiling.”

What do you like most about the programme?

“Being on court. Preparing myself. It has done a lot for my wellbeing. I need to stay active, if I don’t, I am finished. The instructors are very good and help my game. The programme is wonderful; it encourages the elderly into fitness and wellbeing.”

What would you say to someone contemplating attending the New Age Games programme?

“It’s a wonderful thing to join.

Tennis - be patient, it is not overnight glory, but the results are rewarding.

It’s difficult when one retires, if you do not have a plan and know what to do with your life. Fortunately, my wife saw the New Age Games in the newspaper. People do less exercise as they get older, so they should try the programme. It is important to maintain a quality of life. I would encourage anyone to move more and take control of their life. The New Age Games programme is very rewarding. It’s an encouragement to make life changing amendments for those wanting to maintain fitness and health. It helps you to get up and go.”

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Find out more:

• Community Access Fund and Active Communities Grant Scheme

• New Age Games programme