Game, Set, Perfect Match!

How Wimbledon is serving up opportunity for Merton's young people

Every July, the eyes of the world turn to Wimbledon. But whilst millions watch the best tennis players compete on Centre Court, something equally remarkable is happening behind the scenes.

Young People in the 'Court Services' role, covering the courts after play

This summer, more than 50 young people from Merton have secured paid employment at The Championships through the Wimbledon Foundation's partnership with Motivate Merton - an ambitious collaboration of 11 Young Merton member organisations, coordinated by our local CVS Merton Connected. From welcoming visitors, to preparing courts and even assisting the press teams, local young people are playing a vital role in making the iconic sporting event happen.

The success of the programme lies not just in the jobs it creates, but in the pathway it provides. Through Work at Wimbledon, each of the Motivate Merton partner organisations identifies and refers local young people, all of whom are guaranteed an interview with The Championships. From that point, they're supported every step of the way - removing barriers that too often prevent talented young people from accessing opportunities like these. Young people take part in work readiness sessions, mock assessment centres, CV workshops and interview preparation to help them perform at their best. Through partnerships with Smart Works and Suited & Booted, they also receive brand-new, tailored workwear, ensuring they walk into interviews feeling confident, prepared and ready to succeed. And the opportunity doesn't end there. Once employed, young people are invited to return year after year if they choose, with roles ranging from the two-week Championships through to contracts lasting up to six months. For many, what begins as a summer opportunity becomes the first step in a lasting employment journey.

Over the past three years, this initiative - and the wider employment support delivered through Motivate Merton - has helped direct over £300,000 into the pockets of young people across our borough.

But these opportunities are about much more than earning a wage. Just as importantly, they help build a sense of belonging. Wimbledon may be recognised across the world, but it is also a local place - and every young person who walks through its gates as a member of staff is reminded that these spaces belong to them too.

Young Person in the 'Guest Services' role, scans a visitors ticket

At a time when more than one million 16–24-year-olds across the UK are not in education, employment or training, partnerships like this demonstrate what is possible when organisations come together around a shared purpose. By connecting local employers with local talent, we can create opportunities that are both meaningful and accessible, helping young people build brighter futures without leaving their community behind.

For Young Merton, this is exactly what systems change looks like in practice. No single organisation could create opportunities like these alone. They exist because charities, businesses, funders, public services and community organisations each contribute what they do best. Together, they create something far greater than the sum of their parts.

As Young Merton grows, we want to help create many more partnerships like this across the borough. Whether you're an employer able to offer work experience, a business looking to invest in your local community, a funder wanting to back collaboration, or an organisation with expertise to share, you have a role to play. Every partnership has the potential to open a door, build confidence and change the trajectory of a young person's life.

It's a simple but powerful model: remove the barriers, invest in potential, and create a pathway into opportunity.

A Young Person in the 'Retail Services' role, restocks the shelves in the Wimbledon Shop

Thank you

This success has only been possible because of the commitment and generosity of so many partners.

Our thanks go to the Wimbledon Foundation for creating these incredible opportunities; Merton Connected for leading the Motivate Merton partnership; The Propel Fund for investing in the programme; the Mayor's Fund for London Kitchen Social team for supporting employment workshops; and to the many individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the programme possible each year.

We'd also like to recognise the fantastic Motivate Merton delivery partners. Together, the partnership has now supported more than 625 young people, brought over £925,000 of investment into Merton's voluntary and community sector, and demonstrated the extraordinary impact that collaboration can achieve. Partners include Ashdon Jazz Academy, ATS Creative Academy, AFC Wimbledon Foundation, Filmanthropy, London Borough of Merton Detached Youth Work Team, Inner Strength Network CIC, Merton Mencap, Mitcham Town Community Trust, Tooting & Mitcham Community Sports Club and Unique Talent.