A unique intergenerational sports tournament brought people of all ages together in Leeds this week, challenging stereotypes and showing the power of community connection.
Organised by the Age Friendly Team at Leeds Older People’s Forum, the event took place at the YMCA pitch on Old Otley Road and welcomed participants aged nine to 76.
Across the day, teams took part in football, netball and cricket, with a strong focus on fun, inclusion and bringing different generations together.
Breaking down stereotypes
The tournament created space for people of different ages to connect, compete and share experiences — something organisers say is key to tackling age-related stereotypes.
Tony Mullin from the Age Friendly Leeds team described the event as a huge success:
“It was like a dream, it was absolutely brilliant. Everybody really enjoyed themselves.”
He highlighted how the event helped challenge assumptions across generations:
“Young people seeing older adults play competitive sport, it just speaks volumes.
They now have that memory of seeing older adults in their 60s and 70s playing football, scoring goals and runs.”
At the same time, the event also pushed back on negative perceptions of younger people:
“All we ever hear about the younger generation is that they spend all their time on their phones — this was a great way of countering that narrative too.”
A true community effort
The tournament brought together a wide mix of groups, including:
- Pupils from St Bartholomew’s School
- West Leeds Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre
- Sixth form students from St Mary’s Menston
- Bramley Walking Wanderers
- U3A Leeds
- Headingley Netwalkers
In total, 75 people took part as players, volunteers or supporters.
More than just sport
Beyond the games themselves, the day was about connection, confidence and creating shared experiences.
Participants didn’t just enjoy playing — they valued the chance to interact with people of different ages and abilities in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
What next?
Following the success of the event, organisers are already considering future tournaments.
With strong feedback from those involved, there’s clear appetite to build on this and continue creating opportunities for people to come together across generations.
