The Centre is named after the late Air Vice Marshal Sir Philip Game, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., G.B.E., K.C.M.G., D.S.O., who was Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police from 1935 to 1945. Sir Philip died on 4th February, 1961. Parts of the present Centre are a memorial to him.

Sir Philip had for many years during his life been interested in youthwork. He wanted to do something of a positive and lasting nature. He realized that, by close and continual contact with youth and the public in general, police officers had great potential to make a beneficial contribution to youthwork.

Although there was nothing original in the idea of police running a Boys' Club, there was a lot of publicity during the war years of other police forces contributing to youth work and this only served to make Sir Philip more determined that the Metropolitan Police should also take a hand.

During August, 1943, Sir Philip visited Croydon where he met and talked with Superintendent David B. Deller who had just been appointed to take charge of 'Z' Division.

The Commissioner mentioned his Boys' Club scheme and outlined the objects which are contained in the Constitution of the Centre. It was agreed that Croydon was an ideal place in which to begin the project and Mr. Deller began by talking to other police officers and prominent local citizens.

Soon he had stimulated sufficient interest and on 25th February, 1944, in the Croydon Education Office in Katherine Street, twenty-six persons representing social and commercial interests in the Borough met to launch the Boys' Club. A draft Constitution was approved. It was unanimously agreed that the name should be "The Sir Philip Game Boys' Club" in recognition of the Commissioner’s work and interest, who was also elected the Club's first President.

An old Victorian house, standing in an acre and a half of grounds in Morland Avenue was acquired. Although progress was difficult because of war-time restrictions the house was gradually made suitable and a wooden gymnasium built.

Eventually on 11th January, 1946, the Club was opened and by the end of the day 50 boys had enrolled. By the end of the year membership had increased to 200

The Club was officially opened on 19th July, 1947, by the then Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. J. Chuter Ede, in the presence of Sir Philip Game and many distinguished guests.

The Club prospered and funds were raised. The Club House was improved gradually to include a number of large rooms in which instruction and educational work could be carried out.

In 1952, a then modern brick gymnasium, fully equipped, was built and officially opened by Vice Admiral The Earl Mountbatten of Burma. It is known as the "David Deller Hall", a permanent reminder of the Club's first Chairman.

Despite the acquisition of the new gymnasium, it was apparent the old house was becoming unsuitable for a modern club and that activities were limited by available space and suitable facilities.

Following the Albermarle Report in 1960 plans were made for the building of a new Club to form an integral part with the existing gymnasium. The Sir Philip Game Memorial Fund was launched in 1961 and by 1963 sufficient money had been raised. A new club house, games room and bungalow were built and completed in 1964. The new premises were officially opened on the 8th May, 1966, by the then Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Sir Frank Soskice, in the presence of Lady Game who unveiled a plaque in the memory of her husband.

Over the years the involvement of the police has diminished and most recently Croydon Council has provided a financial grant towards the running costs of the Club.  There are now 12 managing trustees, 6 police appointed and 6 Council appointed. 

The SPG is now a registered charity and the managers are the charity’s trustees.

Regrettably after 38 years of service, many of which saw the club ennobled with flagship status, the premises have become run down and unsuitable.

Currently plans to rebuild the club, and restore the club to its former status are underway. A new building has been approved and the site has been closed for demolition, with the new club scheduled to open its doors at the end of 2005.