Wimbledon Beach Volleyball Club: Growing Community Through Passion and Inclusivity

What began as a small group of friends playing on the sand has grown into a thriving hub of more than 1,000 participants this season alone - fuelled by passion, dedicated volunteers, and a commitment to providing opportunities for all. 

A Legacy That Sparked Growth 

The club’s roots lie in the London 2012 Olympic Games. When the temporary Horse Guards Parade venue was dismantled, the beach volleyball equipment found a new home in Wimbledon Park, transforming the space into a permanent legacy venue. 

Initially, just a handful of men and women met weekly to train and enjoy the game. But by 2020, with a growing desire to build a structured youth programme, WBVC became Volleyball England affiliated. 

Fast forward to 2025, and the club now delivers over 80 adult sessions, 70 youth sessions, and seven tournaments each season. This progress has been made possible by a dedicated community of coaches and volunteers, from long-standing youth coordinators to tournament leads and the club’s executive team, all contributing to an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

Attracting Over 1,000 Participants: What’s the Secret? 

According to the club, their growth comes down to one thing: pure passion. 

From club leadership to coaches to every participant who steps onto the sand, there is a shared belief in the power of sport to transform lives. While competitive volleyball is embraced, the real motivation is to share skills, nurture talent, and build a community where learning and enjoyment take priority over winning. 

Sessions are intentionally designed for all levels, showcasing WBVC’s “everyone is welcome” ethos, a reputation that continues to draw people from across the community. 

A Junior Programme Built on Values 

The junior programme began humbly with just a few children, many of them belonging to the club’s coaches. Their enthusiasm helped the programme grow organically, as word spread and more children joined. 

Today, the youth programme not only develops volleyball skills but also teaches key values such as teamwork, resilience, confidence and mutual encouragement. 

The club welcomes every child regardless of ability to pay, and has recently delivered sessions for refugees as part of its community outreach. Coaches emphasise both technical development and behaviour encouraging players to believe in themselves and support others on the court. 

The addition of regular competitions over the past 18 months has been a major milestone. After three years of consistent training, young players are now confidently competing, rallying, and showcasing newly developed game-play skills. 

Parents and players have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback: 

• “Your coaching is so awesome, patient, and gives us something to focus on.” – Enzo, age 12.
• “Huge thank you – brilliant term and perfect for encouragement, fun and progression.” – Julia, parent.
• “The coaches are so encouraging and patient, the kids have learnt so much. My son has even asked to book a court for his school friends.” – Rosalind, parent.
• “My daughter said it felt like ‘family’.” – Justin, parent.

Expanding the Coaching Team 

This season, WBVC welcomed four new coaches, a mix of partnerships with other clubs (including Deep Dish) and aspiring coaches who have developed through the club’s own player pathways. 

This expansion allows WBVC to cater to different learning styles and maintain high-quality sessions despite rising demand. Parent volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh students also support the delivery of sessions, helping keep training dynamic and engaging. 

To maintain consistent standards, one of the club’s longest-serving coaches now leads on Coach Development and Quality, ensuring ongoing investment in coaching capability. 

Tournaments, Events and Community Engagement 

WBVC runs a healthy mix of competitive, social, and themed tournaments - from Halloween and International Day events to their first youth tournament last year. In 2025 alone, the club delivered five adult and two youth tournaments, many of which sold out due to high demand. 

Youth tournaments focus not only on results but also on behaviours and effort, with prizes awarded for qualities such as positivity, perseverance, and consistent skill execution. 

The club also played a major role in Merton’s Big Sports Day, delivering volleyball to 130 children in a single day. With extensive planning and the support of 18 volunteers (including adults and children) the event showcased the club’s energy, quality and commitment to its community. 

Impact and Feedback 

Participants and parents consistently praise the club for its welcoming environment, strong coaching, and fun atmosphere: 

• “My first time trying volleyball, and I loved it.” – Josie, age 9. 
• “I learnt a lot of new skills that have really improved my game.” – Karim, age 12. 
• “The event had a great energy… lovely to see kids trying volleyball for the first time.” – Clare, parent. 
• “The coaches have been brilliant and everyone so welcoming.” – Marie, parent .

This positive feedback reaffirms the club’s purpose: to create a joyful, inclusive, high-quality environment for everyone. 

Looking Ahead 

WBVC’s goal is simple: to continue nurturing a love of sport through accessible, high-quality coached sessions for all ages and abilities. While growth is welcomed, the club remains mindful of preserving court availability for the wider public. 

Future plans include: 

• Expanding community outreach, particularly among 8–12-year-olds and beginner adults 
• Increasing access by collaborating with the council to install floodlights, enabling evening and year-round training 
• Continuing to promote the physical, mental and social benefits of beach volleyball 
• Collaborating with the council to install floodlights on the courts, enabling evening training and programme expansion during the darker months. 

WBVC is an example of how community, passion and inclusivity can transform a local sports programme into something truly special.