We are hoping to start taking applications for the 2021 volunteer scheme from May/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 5th – Friday 9th July (5 days)
Week 2 Monday 12th – Friday 16th July (5 days)
Week 3 Monday 19th – Friday 23rd July (5 days)
Week 4 Monday 26th 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 16th – Friday 20th August (5 days)
Week 8 Monday 23rd – Friday 27th August (5 days)
Week 9 Tuesday 31st August – Friday 3rd September (4 days)
- Two weeks in October
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
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
The Revelstoke Road car park will be out of use from Monday 13 July - Friday 18 September, the only car park that will be available to use is the Wimbledon Park Road one (closest to Southfields) and is currently free (sat nav SW19 6PE) then a short 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.