The 2019 scheme has now been completed.
Information about the 2020 volunteer scheme will be advertised on this page from the end of February / beginning of March 2020.
About the scheme
Our volunteer scheme is a fun way to develop your skills both on and off the water, meet new friends, and learn about working in a busy watersports centre.
Through on the job experience, as well as specific training sessions, you will develop your watersports skills – these are likely to include sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing. You may also get the opportunity to work off site to broaden your experience.
Over the course of the program you will learn how to work as a team to plan and deliver activity sessions to a group of children – culminating in the chance to try out your new skills under the supervision of a senior instructor in your final week.
You will be given weekly feedback reviews, designed to give you clear indications of your performance, and achievable goals to strive for. The personal development and confidence gained from the scheme will stand you in great stead to begin your journey to becoming an instructor, as well as other walks of life. This is a great introduction to the feedback process which forms part of the following years Assistant Instructors Course. Successful candidates will be able to earn their place on this course; if we feel you have room for improvement before the course starts we shall feedback this to you during your weekly reviews. It is also possible to purchase a place on the Assistant Instructors Course.
Prerequisites
- Must be 15 years old by start date
- Provide us with a minimum 4 full weeks of volunteering within the same year, April - October (Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays) this is non-negotiable.
The dates we are running our courses are usually: - two/three weeks in Easter
- one week in Whitsun
- eight weeks in Summer
- two weeks in October
We would advise wherever possible attending the summer dates, as these are our busiest, therefore most potential for experience. It is also helpful for continuity to complete weeks at least in pairs, if not all four in a row.
- pay a one-off online administration fee which is non–refundable (regardless whether you attend or not).
- provide a recent passport-sized photo by the first day of volunteering.
What to bring
- Packed lunch
- Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
- Plenty of changes of clothes - this is a watersports centre so it is highly likely you will get wet
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to work with children, and to adapt to different situations. This is not an easy course, but you will learn a lot and have fun doing so.
Contact us
Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre
Home Park Road
SW19 7HX
Telephone: 020 8947 4894
Email:
wimbledonpark@merton.gov.uk
Where to go
Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre
Home Park Road
Wimbledon
SW19 7HX
We recommend using public transport to get here.
Driving
Sat nav post code SW18 5NW takes you to McCluskey's newsagents, on the corner of Revelstoke Road and Elsenham Street, just outside the park.
There is a small pay-and-display car park by Revelstoke Road, but it is often full.
Free car parking is also available at the Wimbledon Park Road entrance (sat nav SW19 6PE). It is a slightly longer walk across the grass to the Watersports Centre.
For more details email wimbledonpark@merton.gov.uk
During the Wimbledon Tennis Championships there is no vehicle access to Wimbledon Park for dropping off and collecting. These parking restrictions may be enforced before the start and after the end date of the championships. Please check the All England Lawn Tennis website for specific traffic restrictions.
