AFK Beach Volleyball court raises funds for charity in Canary Wharf

The facility is back in east London until August 10, 2025, this year at Union Square in Wood Wharf

AFK Beach Volleyball has returned to Canary Wharf - image by Canary Wharf Group — AFK Beach Volleyball has returned to Canary Wharf – image by Canary Wharf Group

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what’s this?

Where have you been? This is the AFK Beach Volleyball court in Wood Wharf’s Union Square.

what’s that?

It’s a pay-as-you-play facility for anyone who fancies bashing a ball around while diving about on sand to use.

what do I need?

Court hire is for four or more people on an hourly basis and costs £15 per person – £60 minimum.

Volleyballs and guidance on the rules are provided, so players just need to turn up in kit that’s appropriate to play a game or two on the sand.

when can I book AFK Beach Volleyball?

The court is already in place and will be in Canary Wharf until August 10. 2025.

Bookings are available Tuesday-Sunday although some slots may be unavailable due to special events.

why should I play?

Isn’t it time you did some exercise?

In all seriousness, beach volleyball is a fantastic sport and an ideal way to get some fresh air.

Also, every single thwack of the ball helps raise money for AFK, a charity that helps children who are disabled or neurodiverse live more independent, fulfilling lives.

This year the court is located in Union Square in Wood Wharf - image by Canary Wharf Group — This year the court is located in Union Square in Wood Wharf – image by Canary Wharf Group

tell me more

Corporate partnerships manager at AFK, Lyn Prodger said: “It’s an amazing small charity and this event is a big shop window for us.

“We wouldn’t be speaking to the likes of JP Morgan, Barclays and Accenture without it and the support of Canary Wharf Group.

“We provide mobility equipment for disabled children and young people all round the country and we also fund the maintenance of that equipment which is vital and not something all charities do.

“It’s no good if you have a £2,000 wheelchair that’s your whole life but you can’t use it for the sake of a £200 repair.

“But it’s not just about buying some equipment and saying goodbye, it’s an ongoing dialogue and opportunity.

“We’ve also started providing work placements in London because we’re based in the capital.

“We support anything that fosters independence and wellbeing and that includes helping people into work.

“We realised quite early on that many of the young people we work with aren’t ready for employment, so we have an outreach team that supports them to help change that.

“When you’re in a special school, for example, no-one ever asks what you want to do when you leave.

“The employers we work with are like gold dust – they raise confidence and aspirations.

“What we say to them is that we’re not bringing a problem, we’re bringing an amazing group of talented young people who are ready for work.

“We also put our money where our mouth is by giving young people paid employment roles with us. Some of them help with this event and they really are amazing.”

The charity will be hosting its Corporate Championship - image by Canary Wharf Group — The charity will be hosting its Corporate Championship – image by Canary Wharf Group

what’s coming up at AFK Beach Volleyball?

In addition to free access play on the court, AFK hosts a corporate tournament for businesses and there are still a couple of slots left.

Taking place on July 31, 2025, the event sees companies face off on court in a five-vs-five format with most teams entering a squad of 10 players to allow for subs.

Teams commit to fundraising £2,000 to enter.

This can simply be paid as a donation from the business and covers a full day of play, lunch and refreshments as the competition for the 2025 Corporate Championship trophy heats up on the court.

AFK corporate partnerships manager, Lyn Prodger - image by Jon Massey — AFK corporate partnerships manager, Lyn Prodger – image by Jon Massey

who’s the team to beat?

Lyn said: “We’ve been running these events since 2009, first at Broadgate Circle in the City before moving to Canary Wharf in 2013.

“Barclays have won the most championships, but Accenture won it last year after being silver medallists in about four contests.

“They’re both coming back this year. It’s a wonderful event with plenty of dressing up. We’ve had Smurfs, Oompa-Loompas and Baywatchers over the years.

“We start from 10am and everyone gets a good day of play – then after lunch we go into the play-offs and then the finals.

“Whether it’s in the corporate championships or members of the public simply playing on the court, when I see what we’ve done here I have to pinch myself a little bit.

“We’re a small charity and realising we can do something like this is fantastic.

“It feels so good to know everyone who plays here is contributing.

“Just stepping on that sand makes a real difference in people’s lives.

“What’s really great about Canary Wharf is that we have this audience and we’re able to tell them about AFK and what it does.

“It’s a great community here and we’re working with The Island Studio to offer Pilates on the sand, with Signorelli on a deal for players who come down and, of course, with 640 East.”