Big Sports Day

See you at Big Sports Day – your invite from the leader of Merton Council.

Hello,

I can’t wait to see you at our second ever Big Sports Day, which will take place in the stunning Wimbledon Park.

Big Sports Day is an event that supercharges our Borough of Sport mission to make sure that every resident in Merton, no matter their background, age or ability, can find a sport or activity that they enjoy, right on their doorstep.

Last year saw over 5000 of you get stuck into a new activity, and we brought dozens of our boroughs sporting clubs together to show you just how much they have to offer.

Big Sports Day 2024 looks set to be bigger and better, with an even wider range of activities and taster sessions to choose from including sessions from big names like AFC Wimbledon, London Broncos, the All England Lawn Tennis Club and many more.

As well as this we are:

• Bringing more to the main stage, with talks, displays, presentations and appearances from sporting stars.
• Arranging the site to make it easier to find what works for you. Head to the Inspire Zone for incredible talks and demos, the Inclusion Zone for adapted and accessible activities, or to the Wellbeing Zone if you want to take things at a slower pace with a relaxing activity like yoga.
• We’ll have even more food and drink vendors at the event, as well as more places you and the family can relax with your lunch or picnic - included covered seating in case of wet weather. 
• Being in Wimbledon Park means we have access to the sites many courts, pitches and facilities, including the Wimbledon Watersports Centre – book your watersports slot early to avoid disappointment on the centre’s website. 

I’ll be there to open the event at 10am on the mainstage and remember to follow Merton Council on social media to get the latest updates as we announce even more exciting additions to the programme.

See you there!

Cllr Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council

• 10am – Leader’s Introduction
• 10.05am – GLL Fitness Class
• 10.40am – MMA Demo by Great Britain’s Top Team
• 11am – Warm Up Session with Our Parks
• 11.30am – Salsa’s Got Soul Dance Demo
• 12pm – Attic Theatre - Joy of Dance
• 12.15pm – Merton Council Speech
• 12.30pm – Introduction to Equip Boxes
• 1pm – Stronger Fitness and Martial Arts
• 1.15pm – GLL Fitness Class
• 1.45pm - Attic Theatre - Joy of Dance
• 2pm – London Youth Games Awards
• 2.15pm – Dan Magness Football Freestyle
• 2.40pm – Magical Quests Sports Theatre
• 3.15pm – Holistic Fitness Martial Arts
• 3.30pm – GLL Fitness Class

Subject to change.

Getting to Wimbledon Park, SW19 8AU

Parking is very limited on site, and we strongly encourage all attendees to travel by public transport to the park

Cycle: There is a dedicated bike parking bay on site. E-bike provider Human Forest are offering Merton residents 25 minutes free on 7 and 8 of September with code MERTON20, meaning you just need to pay the £1 unlock fee

Train and tube: Wimbledon Park station or Southfields station

Buses: 156, 39, 493, 639

Free bus service

To support residents from across the borough to attend this Year’s Merton Big Sports Day we are putting on a limited bus service. The service is free and will be provided on a first come first service basis. The pickup points are:

1. Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden. The bus will be located next to the staff car park at the back of the building.
2. Vestry Hall, Mitcham. Outside the front entrance of the venue.
3. Grove Road, Mitcham at the dead end point that meets with Tamworth Lane and close to Mitcham Eastfields train station.
4. Pollards Hill Library / Community Centre car park on South Lodge Lane.

Pick up times at all sites are 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm. The buses will take residents directly to the Big Sports Day at Wimbledon Park.

Return journeys from Wimbledon Park will be provided at 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm.

Check the weather in advance and dress accordingly for outdoor activities.

Wear comfortable clothing, but if you plan to participate in specific activities, you can dress in the necessary sportswear.

For watersports sessions, remember to bring shoes you don't mind getting wet, a change of clothes, and a towel.

Also, bring both cash and card, as payment options may vary at the food stalls and on-site café.

Main Stage

Head to the main stage to catch thrilling performances from local dance groups, demos from martial arts clubs and speeches from special guests.

Don’t miss: celebrations with our London Youth Games Team with a special awards ceremony.

Community Zone

Visit the community zone and connect with local charities, organisations and charities firsthand to find out what resources are available to you. Meet with groups such as Wimbledon Guild, Age UK, Alzheimer's UK, Merton Family Hubs, and many more.

Don’t miss: Clarion Housing’s stall where you can create a smoothie by cycling!

Inclusion Zone

If traditional sports aren’t always accessible to you, the inclusion zone is where to head. Meet providers who deliver adapted sport sessions; try out activities that are tailored for people who have physical disabilities or other needs that aren’t always easily met by sports clubs or centres.

Don’t miss: the chance to try the Paralympic sport Boccia, run by Wimbledon Guild

Inspire Zone

Enjoy energising talks and Q&As with inspiring individuals who have a connection to Merton. Speakers include Ivor Heller, founder of fan-owned AFC Wimbledon, David Vaughan - a local author, Aggie Beever-Jones, a lioness who grew up in Merton.

As well as talks, the inspire zone will screen films and host a sporting heritage exhibition.

Don’t miss: Robin Bennet, award winning author of Cracking Cricket, Fantastic Football and Rampaging Rugby, giving free talks at 11am and 2.30pm

Wellbeing Zone

Relax and take a break in this area with a quiet area available for those who need it, as well as activities such as yoga, Pilates, reiki, meditation and tai chi on offer. This space includes a designated prayer room.

Don’t miss: yoga sessions delivered by Chandra Yoga Wimbledon across the day

The field

The open space to the north of the park is where most of our show-stop activities and sports clubs are located. From a climbing wall to giant darts and a rugby try machine – there is something for everyone to get stuck into.

Don’t miss: A penalty shootout with AFC Wimbledon stars and strikers

Athletics Stadium

Local athletics club Hercules Wimbledon FC will be running a range of activities across the day, with drop-ins available for those inspired by Team GB in the Paris Olympics this summer!

Don't miss: a mascot race featuring Haydon the Womble, and the London Broncos mascots

Food and entertainment

Explore a range of delicious food and drink stalls with something available for everyone, while enjoying live performances and activities throughout the day.

Don’t miss: get your feet moving in salsa dance sessions with Salsa Got Soul and gymnastics for all ages with Wimbledon Gymnastics Centre

Courts and pitches

Wimbledon Park’s recently upgraded tennis courts are just some of the incredible facilities on site at the park. From beach volleyball, netball, basketball, right through to mini golf, stop by to receive top tips from coaches and clubs that use these courts in Merton.

Don’t miss: Tennis in Merton is running a range of sessions for all abilities across the day.

Watersports

Dive into watersports with Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre and take part in Paddlesports taster sessions for ages 8 and above. It's perfect for beginners interested in trying the sport at a lower cost of £4.

Big Sports Day paddlesports taster sessions

Don’t forget: book your session in advance and bring a towel plus a change of clothing.

• 10.30am - Ivor Heller - Co-founder AFC Wimbledon
• 11am - Robin Bennett - Stupendous Sport Author
• 12pm - Lorna Boothe MBE - Former Olympian
• 12.30pm - David Vaughn - Local Children’s Author
• 1pm - Aggie Beever-Jones - England Women’s International Footballer
• 1.45pm - Geoff Thompson - Karate Champion
• 2.30pm - Robin Bennett - Stupendous Sport Author
• 3pm - Mickela Hall-Ramsey - London Youth Games
• 3.30pm - Jane Asher - Swimming discussion with Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah

We have taken steps to make Big Sports Day as inclusive as possible for residents.

• Our main entrance near Revelstoke Road is wheelchair accessible, with disabled parking bays nearby
• Our Inclusion Zone contains accessible activities from specialist providers
• We have a changing places toilet on site, with a hoist.
• We have quiet spaces available at our Wellbeing Zone
• We have created a bespoke activity sheet for children and young people who need them, to supports participation in the event. this can be used to redeem an item of sports kit from the merch zone. Collection from the Inclusion Zone + pens.
• Our activity providers are briefed to understand the sunflower lanyard and its meaning, and to take this into consideration during their delivery