Published Monday, 4th August 2025
The first ever Reigate & Banstead Junior Games took place on Sunday 13 July at Donyngs Leisure Centre in Redhill and were a roaring success.
Organised in partnership with Better Leisure who trade as GLL, the games, saw over 140 young children (7 -11 years) regularly attend a 10-week fully funded activity programme at our leisure centres in Tadworth, Horley and Redhill.
Participants received free training and coaching with individual children choosing either basketball, pickleball, swimming, and SEND multi-sport.
Get set: Participants gather before the start of the R&B Junior Games finale at Donyngs Leisure Centre
Outstanding success
Speaking shortly after the event, Cllr Shelly Newton, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture said: “I’m delighted to share that today has been an outstanding success. We’ve delivered an inclusive and fun-filled finale that brought smiles to the faces of all the children, their parents, and everyone involved.
"As a Council, our aim is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to stay healthy and active. What these games have demonstrated is that sport doesn’t have to be overly competitive to be enjoyable and rewarding. We want every child to feel confident in taking part, keeping active and healthy, regardless of their ability. That’s exactly what we’re striving for.
"It’s been wonderful to see children learning new skills, making new friends, and embracing physical activity. We hope the success of this event will inspire even more young people to join the Junior Games next year.”
Nothing better
James Brackenborough, Partnership Manager GLL, said: “We’re proud to have hosted the games. Nothing is better than seeing these young people enjoy themselves, having learnt a new skill or tried a new sport. As we keep saying, our facilities are here for everyone and there will be a warm welcome for you and a chance to try something new in your efforts to stay active and healthy.”
The coaching was provided by a range of experienced local coaches, including PM Active who also ran the SEND multi-sport programme across all three leisure centres, Storm basketball who ran the Horley sessions, and Better Leisure who provided the picketball coaches as well as the swimming teachers.
The R&B Junior Games are a replacement to the Surrey Youth Games, which were run by Active Surrey until 2024.
We will notify you when registration for next year’s R&B Junior Games starts.