With London set to bask in sunshine this weekend, it’s a great time to hit the beach and enjoy a game of volleyball in Wimbledon thanks to Merton Council.

The council runs one of the few beach volleyball courts in the capital at Wimbledon Park. The courts, which recently received an extensive refurbishment, contain some of the sand from the London 2012 Olympics venue in Horse Guards Parade.

Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, went to see an exhibition match featuring Javier Bello of the England beach volleyball team and players from Wimbledon Park Beach Volleyball Club today, (Friday, 8 September).

Cllr Garrod said: “As part of our mission to become London’s borough of sport we want to encourage more people to get active and involved in sport.

“And to show it’s not all tennis or football in Wimbledon, I’ve come here to watch some top-class beach volleyball. It may not quite be Rio but with the fabulous weather and the pristine sandy courts – you almost imagine it could be!”

Javier Bello said: “It’s amazing to see these fantastic courts in London and so many people interested in the sport 11 years on from the London 2012 Games. Beach volleyball is perfect for people to get active and enjoy a good time with others in their community.”

Suzy Levy, Co-Founder, Wimbledon Beach Volleyball Club, said: “Our aim is to develop, promote and improve the sport of beach volleyball for the local community. The court refurbishment has created a sustainable facility for the Wimbledon Beach Volleyball Club and the community we support. We are excited to be back in the sand!”

To book a court go to Book a beach volleyball court | Merton Council

As part of its mission to become London’s Borough of Sport, the council has announced it’s holding Merton’s Big Sports Day on Sunday, 24 September at Canons House & Grounds, Mitcham.

For more details on the event go to London’s Borough of Sport | Merton Council