Volunteer scheme

We are hoping to start taking applications for the 2021 volunteer scheme from June (scheme due to start during the Summer holidays, 5th July 2021).

We do not have a waiting list, so please keep an eye on the website and follow/turn on notifications on our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest updates

Terms and conditions

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.

Those who successfully complete all four full weeks will be invited to a complementary practical training course which usually runs the following year during the February or April school holidays.

The scheme involves preparation/storage of equipment, paddling/sailing and most of all participation on sessions. All of which can be very physically demanding, but extremely rewarding.

Having previous watersports experience is a bonus, but don't worry if you haven't done much before – hard work and enthusiasm is far more important.

Volunteers must commit to the watersports centre for a minimum of four full weeks within the same year, July - October (Monday-Friday, unless it is a bank holiday week) during the school half terms and summer break.

Some testimonials from some of our past volunteers can be found in this information booklet.

Prerequisites

Must be 15 years old by start date
Provide us with a minimum 4 full weeks of volunteering within the same year, July - October (Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays) this is non-negotiable.

The dates we are expecting to run the scheme:
Nine weeks in Summer
- - Week 1 Monday 5^th – Friday 9^th July (5 days)
  - Week 2 Monday 12^th – Friday 16^th July (5 days)
  - Week 3 Monday 19^th – Friday 23rd July (5 days)
  - Week 4 Monday 26^th July – Friday 30th July (5 days)
  - Week 5 Monday 2nd – Friday 6th August (5 days)
  - Week 6 Monday 9th – Friday 13th August (5 days)
  - Week 7 Monday 16^th – Friday 20th August (5 days)
  - Week 8 Monday 23rd – Friday 27^th August (5 days)
  - Week 9 Tuesday 31st August – Friday 3rd September (4 days)
Two weeks in October
- Week 1 Monday 18^th – Friday 22nd October (5 days)
- Week 2 Monday 25^th October – Friday 29^th October (5 days)
  
  We would advise wherever possible 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).

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.

Related courses

British Canoeing paddling courses – including personal paddling skills, rescues and instructor qualifications
Royal Yachting Association sailing courses – including personal sailing skills, Powerboat and Instructor qualifications
Teen Supreme (ages 13 – 16) – spend the week exclusively with other teenagers devising your own activity schedule
RYA coaching qualifications – 16 or older? interested in becoming a qualified sailing instructor?

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.